Have you ever wondered what makes a restaurant three-Michelin-starred?
This Spring, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester reveals all with the introduction of ‘The Art of Fine Dining’ masterclass. Nicolas Defremont, Restaurant Director, will share the key principles and exclusive trade secrets behind developing the perfect contemporary fine dining experience. Set in the luxurious dining room, the masterclass will offer guests behind-the-scene access into the world of Alain Ducasse fine-dining including one of the most prestigious private dining tables in London; the stunning Table Lumière.
The front of house team is the tour de force of the restaurant, allowing guests to experience all that encompasses exquisite contemporary French dining. The team is lead by Nicolas Defremont who started his career in France at Alain Ducasse’s acclaimed restaurant 59 Poincare and went on to win the 2009 ACORN AWARD for youngest Restaurant Manager of a three Michelin star restaurant. Defremont will provide exclusive insight into the back of house operations that make up a restaurant renowned for its first class service.
Alain Ducasse remarks, “Food is an important and vital part of dining out, but service is every bit as essential to a true haute cuisine experience.”
Enter the stylish world of the Patrick Jouin designed dining room and discover the striking Table Lumiere, surrounded by a luminescent oval curtain of 4,500 shimmering fibre optics and the finest creations in tableware by Hermes, Puiforcat and Saint-Louis. Table Lumière offers the ultimate dining atmosphere and guests are offered guidance into how to recreate such a magical setting with their own personal flare. Guests can take a unique glimpse into a top state-of-the-art kitchen and wine cellar and will have the opportunity to experience training techniques established by one of the world’s most award winning chefs, Alain Ducasse. Nicolas Defremont will go through key service and mise-en-place techniques, including folding the famed artichoke napkin, cutlery and glass placement and secret tips from the Alain Ducasse service commandments.
As Nicolas explains, “it is the finer details that make an enchanting experience; beautiful centrepieces, relaxed lighting, small attentive gestures that anticipate a guest’s desires.”
Throughout the class, Defremont will demonstrate tricks of the trade that can be put to use at home and at the end of the class, guests are invited to lay their own Michelin star table under the guidance of the service team.
The class also includes a 30-minute session with skilled sommelier Vincent Pastorello. Pastorello will take participants through the right ways to prepare a wine, including information on decanters and the ideal time to open a bottle. Popular beverage myths will be addressed and throughout the session, guidance will be offered on how to buy, taste and pair wines.
The Art of Fine Dining masterclass costs £120 per person and will commence the beginning of April. The package includes:
· The two-hour masterclass
· Wine tasting during the sommelier session
· An ALESSI stainless steel crumb collector
· A signed Alain Ducasse cookery book
The masterclasses will take place at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester on the following dates: 14/04/12, 28/04/12, 12/05/12, 09/06/12, 23/06/12. There will be a minimum of three guests and a maximum of six guests at each masterclass.