Chez Roux opens today inspired by childhood memories of Le Gavroche and the Fairlawne estate.
Michel Roux today opens Chez Roux, a new restaurant in Palm Court at The Langham, London. The restaurant has been inspired by Michel’s childhood memories: life in rural Kent in the 1960s, being raised at the Fairlawne estate where his father Albert Roux OBE worked as a private chef for the Cazalet family, and the first menus from Le Gavroche in 1967.
Chez Roux presents a unique opportunity to experience Michel Roux’s cooking in London, with menus that showcase historical British classics and traditional French cooking methods, presented in contemporary, refined dishes.
To begin, guests can sample Roux’s take on Welsh Rarebit, rich with stout and Montgomery cheddar and piquant with mustard, Worcestershire sauce and pickled walnut.
Main courses include Lamb Chops Reform, inspired by Alexis Soyer’s classic 1830s recipe, and here consisting of herb-crusted lamb, faggot and Reform sauce, or Grilled lobster with garlic butter, fries and béarnaise, one of Chef Michel’s all-time favourite dishes, and something he remembers enjoying at Le Gavroche as a child.
For a sweet conclusion to the meal, desserts include Chocolate mousse and Summer fruit pudding.
Alongside the a la carte menu, for an elevated dining experience guests can opt for Michel’s Tasting Menu, featuring six courses of Michel’s favourite dishes, with the option of a wine pairing £80pp/£140pp with wine).
The menu is complemented by a selection of premium wines and Champagnes, as well as an exclusive collection of cocktails reflective of the era, such as the Madeira Cobbler. Open for dinner only, the restaurant is located in The Langham’s elegant central dining room, Palm Court, where the ambience, service and artwork complete the dining experience and bring Chez Roux to life.
On the launch of Chez Roux, Michel Roux comments: “I have such fond memories of growing up at Fairlawne, where my father spent 7 years cooking for the Cazalet family. From relaxed lunches to extravagant dinner parties, it’s safe to say everyone ate very well! Dad had to learn the great British classics but used all his French technique and skills to cook for the family and esteemed guests. When my parents had to cook dinner parties, the wife of the head butler, Mrs Bradbrook, would babysit, introducing me to the wonders of great British desserts such as crumble and custard, and steamed puddings. The menu at Chez Roux is inspired by these early memories.
Many of the recipes that were popular during the 60s have been consigned to history, yet there is so much to love about the dishes I remember from this time – British classics combined with traditional French techniques. So, with a touch of nostalgia and much excitement, I can’t wait for guests to try the menus at Chez Roux at The Langham.”
Bookings are now open and available here.
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