Mathieu Pacaud
Mathieu Pacaud | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1981 Paris, France |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, Restaurateur |
| Known for | Co-head chef of L’Ambroisie; owner of Divellec, Hexagone, Histoires |
Mathieu Pacaud (; born January 1, 1981) is a French culinary professional overseeing the operations of the restaurants Divellec, Hexagone, Histoires, and L’Ambroisie.
Biography
Born to Danièle Pacaud and the celebrated three-Michelin-star chef Bernard Pacaud, Mathieu was introduced to haute cuisine from a young age. His culinary approach is also shaped by his mother’s Corsican roots.
He embarked on his culinary journey at 15, starting at the two-Michelin-starred establishment Le Jamin in Paris under chef Benoît Guichard. After two years there, he progressed to the prestigious Plaza Athénée, taking on the role of chef de partie. At age 20, he relocated to Beirut, Lebanon, where he managed as many as five French dining venues. Returning to France in 2003, he collaborated with his father at L'Ambroisie, eventually becoming co-head chef within six years.
Mathieu established his consulting agency MBP Conseil and inaugurated Hexagone in January 2015, a venue combining a cocktail lounge with a modern dining concept. Soon after, he introduced Histoires, situated inside Hexagone. Within twelve months, the Michelin guide awarded one star to Hexagone and two stars to Histoires, marking a notable milestone.
He then concentrated on revitalizing Divellec, a famed seafood restaurant in Paris, which reopened its doors in September 2016. Simultaneously, he developed L’Ambroisie Macau in Asia, modeled after its Parisian counterpart and located within the "The 13" hotel and casino complex by Stephen Hung, with an expected opening in December 2016.
During summer 2016, Pacaud also launched a temporary dining experience at the Domaine de Murtoli in southern Corsica.
Projects
Mathieu Pacaud is advancing plans for an L’Ambroisie branch in Macau, housed within the hotel and casino complex « The 13 », targeting an opening date in December 2016.
L’Ambroisie
Mathieu Pacaud serves as co-head chef of L’Ambroisie, which holds three Michelin stars.
Hexagone
Since opening in December 2014, Hexagone received one Michelin star by February 2016.
Histoires
Established in May 2015, Histoires is a gastronomic venue seating 18 guests.
Divellec
In 2015, Mathieu Pacaud acquired the well-known Parisian seafood restaurant Divellec, reopening it in September 2016.
La Ferme de Murtoli
July 2016 marked the debut of La ferme de Murtoli, a seasonal fine dining restaurant located at Domaine de Murtoli in Corsica (operating from May 15 to September 15).
Awards
In 2016, Mathieu Pacaud earned one Michelin star for Hexagone and two stars for Histoires, becoming the first French chef to hold three Michelin stars simultaneously. That same year, he was honored as a Knight of the French National Order of Merit.
Bibliography
L’Ambroisie – Bernard and Mathieu Pacaud, Philippe Rossat, and Jacques Gavard Mathieu and Bernard Pacaud co-wrote L’Ambroisie, the official cookbook representing their esteemed restaurant.
Anecdotes
On November 30, 2015, Mathieu and Bernard Pacaud welcomed American President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande at L’Ambroisie, underscoring the establishment’s distinguished reputation.