Hélène Darroze
Hélène Darroze | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 23, 1967 France |
| Occupation | Chef |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Known for | Holding 6 Michelin stars across three restaurants |
Hélène Darroze (born 23 February 1967) is a distinguished French chef who holds a total of 6 Michelin stars distributed among three establishments: Hélène Darroze at The Connaught in London (3 stars), Marsan par Hélène Darroze in Paris (2 stars), and Hélène Darroze à Villa La Coste located in Provence (1 star).
Career
Following her graduation in 1990, Darroze began her professional journey working under Alain Ducasse at Le Louis XV in Monaco. She started in an administrative capacity before transitioning into the kitchen. After three years, she returned to manage her family’s restaurant, successfully retaining its Michelin star. The restaurant faced financial challenges and closed in 1999, prompting Darroze to launch Restaurant Hélène Darroze in Paris. This new venue earned its first Michelin star in 2001 and a second by 2003, although the second star was lost by 2010.
In 2008, Darroze took over as head chef at The Connaught hotel in London, succeeding Angela Hartnett. This change coincided with a £70 million refurbishment of the hotel, where she assumed responsibility for both the restaurant and catering operations. Early critical reception was unfavorable; food critic Jay Rayner notably described the cuisine as some of the worst he had experienced at that standard. Nevertheless, the restaurant secured its first Michelin star in 2009, followed by a second in 2011 and ultimately achieving a third star in 2021.
Darroze was honored as a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour in 2012 by President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Personal life
As a fourth-generation culinary professional, Darroze’s family has operated a restaurant in Villeneuve-de-Marsan, France. Prior to embarking on her chef career, she obtained a business degree in 1990.
She is mother to two adopted daughters from Vietnam, named Charlotte and Quiterie. To ensure effective oversight of her restaurants, Darroze splits her time each week between London and Paris.