There is nothing but love in Nathalie Arbefeuille’s kitchen. BAZAAR talks to the chef and founder of Nathalie Gourmet Studio and Cuisine Gourmet on culinary seduction. By Sharmita Summugam.
You’re an expert on romantic food. Romantic food for me is a delectable dish that you first feast with your eyes. It must be edible art, meticulously beautiful in form and flavour. Your thoughts on French lovers? The French lover is emblematic! You can immediately tell when French people are in love. Scents that remind you of someone dear? The scents that take me back to my childhood. I have reworked my grandmother’s classic French dishes and the tantalising aroma that they exude remind me of yesterday. A recipe filled with pure love? My grandmother’s ‘Floating Island’ dessert. It is out of this world! A giant scoop of vanilla crème Anglaise in a transparent bowl with delicious pralines covered in overflowing lush caramel dripping all over. The perfect dinner? A delicious meal spent with my lover (my husband of 20 years). It definitely has to be at a French restaurant. Always wash your palate with a gorgeous glass of champagne paired with canapés, followed by a delicate, exquisite starter, a sumptuous and intense main course, and the perfect ending, a sweet but light dessert. Culinary idol? Anne-Sophie Pic; she is the first woman to gain three Michelin stars for her restaurant, Maison Pic, in southeast France. Define passion. Passion is my work. Without it, you will never be successful. My passion has driven me to where I am now, and I have not a single ounce of regret in me, even though what I do demands hard work. I am on my feet for hours, and it is pure passion, that holds me standing. A heavenly breakfast? I like a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice followed by a basket of pure French butter croissants, brioches, sweet chocolate croissants, canelés, and of course, a rich homemade raspberry jam with a delicate cup of Earl Grey tea or perhaps a creamy cappuccino. An unforgettable meal must include … That explosive dessert, balanced in portions as it is in flavours. Valentine’s surprise at Nathalie’s Gourmet Studio? I am whipping up a special menu filled with delicate, colourful smooth palates and a little surprise here and there. My macarons will be in the shape of hearts. www. nathaliegourmet studio.com
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