Touring Le Cinq's Kitchens, Paris with Chef Le Squer

by Paige Donner

Every once in awhile there's a great chef who is as full of fun as he is talented. That chef, in recent weeks, would be Chef Christian Le Squer, the multiple-Michelin starred chef of the Four Seasons Paris George V Hotel. He is the Executive Chef not just for the flagship restaurant, Le Cinq, but also oversees the vast kitchens that prepares hundreds of meals daily for their two other on-site restaurants as well as the non-stop room service.

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In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Eric Beaumard photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

In the kitchens of Le Cinq, Paris. Chef Christian Le Squer photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

 

On a recent afternoon, during a very priveleged tour of the working kitchens, one of the VIP habitués of this legendary restaurant made a quick stop in the kitchens to stay hello to the Chef himself. So if you see someone here you recognize from blockbuster movies and politics, it's not that he's taking up chef'ing as a new calling, it's simply that he decided to say a personal hello to Chef Christian Le Squer himself, totally unplanned and completely impromptu. 

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Arnold Schwarzenegger's impromptu stop into the kitchens of Le Cinq.

 

Arnold Schwarzenegger's impromptu stop into the kitchens of Le Cinq.

 

Arnold Schwarzenegger's impromptu stop into the kitchens of Le Cinq.

 

Arnold Schwarzenegger's impromptu stop into the kitchens of Le Cinq.

 

Vive la cusine Française!

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Episode 12 Paris GOODfood+wine airing December 2015

by Paige Donner

This episode of Paris GOODfood+wine is dedicated to Paris. Especially to the families, loved ones and friends of the innocent lives that were taken and injured #solidarité in the November 13^th attacks here. It's impossible to imagine the pain they are in and the grief they will have to overcome to pick up the pieces of shattered lives.

​Listen to the Original Edit Version of Episode 12 HERE on iTunes

iTunes - Paris GOODfood+wine

 

 

#Paris #Solidarité photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 on iTunes listen to Paris GOODfood+wine

 

#Paris #Solidarité photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 on iTunes listen to Paris GOODfood+wine

 

#Paris #Solidarité photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 on iTunes listen to Paris GOODfood+wine

 

#Paris #Solidarité photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 on iTunes listen to Paris GOODfood+wine

 

#Paris #Solidarité photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 on iTunes listen to Paris GOODfood+wine

 

#Paris #Solidarité photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 on iTunes listen to Paris GOODfood+wine

 

Listen to authorized edit of Paris GOODfood+wine Episode 12 on iTUNES.

Paris is a small city. There isn't a one of us who wasn't affected directly or indirectly. Whether that means we lost a friend, colleague, relative or loved one, or know someone who did. On France's declared Day of Remembrance, I went out to the site of Le Petit Cambodge and Le Carillon to pay my respects to my fellow Parisians.

The world is also a small place. And we must all ask ourselves, any of us who is a mother, a son, a brother, sister, father or daughter, where will this end? What will it take to live in a world where this kind of violence does not exist?

Courageously, for if the French are anything, they are courageous, as are their allies around the world, the Cop21 talks about climate change and environmental resolutions are still being held here just outside the city. To respect that global initiative, Paris GOOD food + wine is running an interview I did last year with the Cellar Master, Gilles Descotes, of the esteemed champagne house, Bollinger.

 #Paris #Paris GOODfood+wine

In this interview he discusses the certification of Haute Valeur Environnementale which is an agricultural certification that imposes best practices in regards to the environment and, in this case, viticulture.

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Thank you for listening to Paris GOODfood+wine. You can find photos and links related to these stories on our website, Paris Food And Wine. You can also listen again on iTunes. If you'd like to make a donation to our show, as we are listener supported, you can do so by following the Buy Now link on iTunes.

LISTEN TO Archived Episodes of Paris GOODfood+wine HERE https://soundcloud.com/paigedonner

 

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Episode 11 Paris GOOD food + wine

posted by Paige Donner

In this episode of Paris GOODfood+wine for November 2015 we'll be hearing all about ways in which the centuries' strong Franco-American relations are deepening.

L'Hermione Frigate

The golden nugget of this episode is an interview with members of the 1855 Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés organization telling us about their participation in supporting the reconstructed replica of the Frigate, called L'Hermione, that the Marquis de Lafayette, who we Americans call our French Founding Father, sailed to the United States on in 1780.

L'Hermione is the 3-masted 32 gun frigate that carried Lafayette to New York's harbor in 1780 when he was bringing good news to the American Independence fighters: his King and the sovereign nation of France would support us militarily.

This last summer, July 1 2015, a replica of the frigate arrived in New York's harbor with much fanfare and also with the support of the Castine Historical Society (http://www.castinehistoricalsocietyhermione.org/) the non-profit dedicated to keeping this history alive in our memories today.

The New York Times documented the frigate's arrival last summer by noting in their July 1^st edition, " THE last time a boat sailed into New York Harbor bearing the Marquis de Lafayette, ...

The year was 1824, and some 50,000 people — roughly a third of New York's population — lined the streets for a glimpse of Lafayette, the "French founding father," who was visiting the United States as part of a 13-month triumphal tour of the nation he had helped liberate nearly a half-century earlier. 

Episode 11 in our Season 2 of Paris GOODfood+wine,

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Paris GOOD food + wine Paris' English language radio show about the food and wine scene in Paris hosted by Paige Donner

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We'll also be hearing from a young author, mother and Parisienne, Clotilde Dusoulier, who takes us through some of the colorful idiomatic French expressions that she documented in her newest book, Edible French. Clotilde is the founder of the popular culinary blog, Chocolate & Zuchini, which she writes in both English and French.

Author Clotilde Dusoulier, photo by Paige Donner 2015

To round off this segment, I'll be introducing you, formally this time, to our featured restaurant reviewer from Episode 10, namely Gilles Pudlowski. Pudlo, as he refers to himself, has a 25 year history as a culinary journalist and restaurant critic here in France. He'll also be telling us about his content-rich blog he launched 5 years ago now.

So sit back and enjoy another half-hour of Paris GOODfood+wine with me, your host and producer, Paige Donner.

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Tasting - Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris

Held at the restaurant that Wine Spec recently named Paris' best, Les Climats (Paris' 7th arr), this tasting showcased gorgeous Burgundian wines that often don't get enough attention...

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

I'm talking Irancy, Saint-Bris, Chitry, Epineuil, Coulanges-la-Vineuse, Tonnerre, Aligoté and Irancy. 

These are delightful drinking wines and I especially found the Chitry (white) to be the kind of wine to serve when you are welcoming guests for brunch, lunch, an early supper or simply getting together with a few girlfriends to enjoy some wine and cheese and good company. It is light, refreshing and ever so drinkable. 

For the reds, the Coulanges-la-Vineuse (which is also produced as a rosé and as white) is all Pinot Noir, true to its Burgundian roots. But its taste profile offers softer tannins. A good find and one worth discovering. It's also worth keeping in mind that the crémant de Bourgogne is a top-notch product in terms of bubbly and offers a wonderful alternative to its more famous cousin. 

In these photos you will see a few of the hard-working wine producers from these relatvely unsung parts of Burgundy which, are, nonetheless, only an hour and a half from Paris. A good point to keep in mind when planning your next wine escapade. 

More INFO here Vins-Bourgogne.fr

 

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

Le Grand Auxerrois à Paris, held at Les Climats Restaurant photo copyright Paris Food And Wine

 

LISTEN TO Archived Episodes of Paris GOODfood+wine HERE https://soundcloud.com/paigedonner

 

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Episode 10 Paris GOODfood+wine - The Halloween Special

Episode 10 Paris GOODfood+wine - The Halloween Special

Airing on World Radio Paris

Paris GOODfood+wine on WorldRadioParis

October 2015 and here we are on our second episode in our second season of Paris GOODfood+wine.

Jack o'Lantern - Happy Halloween

This being the month of Halloween, a beloved North American holiday, we have a couple of our youngster expats ringing in on what they remember and love the most about celebrating Halloween back home.

Autumn also means cosy evenings by the fireplace. And what's a better companion to that than a glass of fine Port Wine. Mr. Manuel Cabral joins us for this segment to give us hints and suggestions of what pairs nicely with that glass of Tawny or Ruby port wine. He's the Executive Director of the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro et do Porto of Portugal.

Port Wine Pairs Well With Chocolate and Cosy Evenings By the Fireplace

 Gilles Pudlowski, restaurant critic and food writerAnd for this season, we're spicing up our restaurant reviews by adding yet another voice, namely Gilles Pudlowski who is a renown French restaurant critic specialized in Paris restaurants. For this episode, he'll be introducing us to Chef Jean- François Piège's new restaurant just opened in September here in Paris called Le Grand Restaurant.

Halloween Special 8' 55

Manuel Cabral Porto Douro 6' 54

Gilles Pudlowski 8' 45 

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Episode 9 - Paris GOODfood+wine Season Two Launch Show

posted by Paige Donner

Paris GOODfood+wine 9 – Season 2 / 2015 September

Paris GOODfood+wine airing on World Radio Paris

For season Two's kick off of Paris GOODfood+wine we'll be hearing from Sylvie Cazes, the civic-minded Bordealaise who is now the proud owner of her very own wine estate. She purchased Chateau Chauvin, a beautiful 15 hectares piece of St. Émilion terroir, that sits in the upper part of the appellation, just near Pomerol.

Sylvie Cazes, of St. Emilion Wine Estate, Chateau Chauvin, photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

She purchased this Grand Cru Classé vineyard from two sisters a bit over a year ago. 2014 is her first vintage release from the estate and one she is rightfully proud of. If you pay any attention at all to French wine critics, you'll be eager to not just taste this excellent Merlot -Cabernet Franc blend, but also buy a few cases to cellar for future enjoyment.

Sylvie Cazes being interviewed by Paige Donner at Chapon Fin, Bordeaux photo by Gene Donner

**

Next up we'll be hearing from the creative, talented, artistic, human, charming, 3-Michelin starred chef Alain Passard, direct from his kitchens at Arpège, the famed Paris restaurant in the 7^th arrondissement. I caught up with the legendary Chef Alain Passard of Paris' 3-Michelin-starred Arpège earlier in the summer, just before he was heading off to Bordeaux where he was the executive chef of the summertime Jurade festivities in St. Émilion.

Chef Alain Passard of Arpège Restaurant Paris photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015

Coincidentally, it was at this year's St. Émilion Jurade ceremonies in June that Sylvie Cazes was inducted, along with a few other celebrated personalities, into this exclusive brother/sisterhood of winemakers and wine industry experts and enthusiasts.

Music by Sting, Desert Rose

**

For our restaurant review we have a band of filles, - filles meaning, of course, in French, girls. This segment is called Les Filles Qui Mangent (Girls who eat) and for this piece we have two previously featured guests on last season's shows, Lindsey Tramuta and Margaret Kemp, weighing in on two of their favorite Parisian eateries.

**

For those of you visiting Paris in September and for those of us living here, September is always a busy month in the city with lots of events for the rentrée, what the French call the time of year when they are back from their July and August summer vacations.

This season, a few highlights having to do with food and wine are:

The Street Food Temple. For its second year running, the event space, Carreau du Temple, is hosting a weekend long event, from the 25^th - 27^th September, featuring street food from all over the world. This year, South Korea holds the place of honor and all are welcome to stop by and feast of these delightful tastes and aromas. The Carreau du Temple is in the 3^rd arrondissement, very close, in fact, to Paris's oldest covered market, the Marché des Enfants Rouges.

Another culinary highlight this month is the Floating Market or Marché Flottantes that is taking place September 18^th to 20^th in the 5^th arrondissement. Here, along the quais Montebello and de la Tournelle you will find boats, skiffs and barges all filled with small-artisanal producers of food gems from the Southwest of France such as foie gras, wines full of sunshine, fattened duck and other delectables.

And just a head's up to mark on your calendar for October is the festive and favorite annual Vendanges de Montmartre where the entire village of Montmartre and much of Paris, too, celebrate the harvest of the small vineyard that graces the sloping hill which descends from just behind the Musée de Montmartre. These 4 days of festivities are filled with parades, song and dance and, of course, quite a lot of wine drinking. Definitely not to miss especially if you've never been. The dates for this year, the 82^nd annual, are October 7^th – 11^th.

For more information about these and other Paris happenings go to Paris.fr

This show has been brought to you in part by the generous sponsorship of FUSAC.fr and by Paris Food And Wine.

And a Grand Merci! to our Paris GOODfood+wine team.



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