Iconic French chef stakes reputation on vegan menu
Celebrated French chef Alain Passard has made history once again.
The 68-year-old has become the first three-Michelin-star chef in France to switch to an entirely plant-based menu, opening a new chapter in the world of luxury dining.
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Since July 21, Passard has stopped serving meat, fish, dairy products and eggs at L'Arpege, his restaurant in the French capital's chic seventh district that he has run for nearly 40 years.
The only exception is honey that comes from the restaurateur's own beehives.
Passard said the switch had been in the pipeline for a year.
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"There's light in this cuisine," he told AFP. "There are taste sensations that I've never experienced anywhere else."
L'Arpege used to be known as one of the leading rotisseries in Paris. It earned three Michelin stars in 1996, and has held the distinction ever since.
In 2001, Passard caused a stir in the rarefied world of French cuisine by dropping red meat from his menu and saying he would focus more on vegetables grown in his gardens.
The shift made him one of the first ambassadors of plant-based cuisine.
While Passard is motivated by environmental concerns in his new quest, it is above all a culinary challenge.
The restaurant's updated menu includes mesclun praline with roasted almonds and melon carpaccio. Lunch costs 260 euros (R5 393,84).
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Passard has no plans to become a vegan militant himself.
"I still eat a little poultry and fish," he said.
"But I'm more comfortable with plants. They allow me to learn."
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