L'Ambroisie
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Bernard Pacaud |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Key people | Bernard Pacaud (founder, former executive chef), Mathieu Pacaud (current manager) |
| Products | French haute cuisine |
L'Ambroisie () stands as a classic French dining establishment situated in Paris, France. Established by Bernard Pacaud and presently managed by his son Mathieu, it has proudly retained three Michelin stars for more than three decades. The term "L'Ambroisie" translates to "Ambrosia", symbolizing "divine nourishment" and the "essence of eternal life."
Location
This restaurant occupies a historic residence positioned at the southwestern edge of Place des Vosges in Paris.
Founder
Bernard Pacaud, who founded and served as the executive chef, spent his early years in an orphanage near Lyon after being left there at age 13.[1]
His culinary career commenced at 15 in 1962 when he apprenticed under Eugénie Brazier's establishment close to Lyon. Subsequently, he held the role of commis at Tante Alice in Lyon and advanced to chef de partie at La Méditerranée in Paris.[2] Motivated by Brazier’s encouragement, he joined Claude Peyrot at Vivarois, a three-star venue in Paris, in 1976. In 1981, he inaugurated his own restaurant on quai de la Tournelle. L'Ambroisie was relocated to Place des Vosges in 1986 and secured its third Michelin star by 1988, a distinction it has upheld since then.
Pacaud prefers to remain discreet publicly, dedicating his efforts to culinary excellence and ingredient integrity. Initially, the high costs associated with premium ingredients resulted in financial losses. His culinary philosophy centers on classic techniques and precise presentation, treating every plate as a work of art.[3]
In 2012, management responsibilities were transferred to his son Mathieu; nonetheless, Bernard continues to participate actively to guarantee uniform quality and service.[3]
History/popular culture
- The restaurant received its inaugural Michelin star in 1982, followed by a second star the next year.
- The third Michelin star was awarded in 1988, five years subsequent to the second.
- In November 2015, L'Ambroisie hosted President Barack Obama, President François Hollande, and US Secretary of State John Kerry for a dinner.
- It is mentioned during the "One more time" monologue delivered by James Spader portraying Raymond Reddington in the Blacklist episode titled Anslo Garrick.
- In 2019, the restaurant appeared prominently as a central setting in the Japanese television drama La Grande Maison Tokyo (グランメゾン東京), underscoring its global cultural significance.