Interview with Christophe Moret

Christophe Moret took over the kitchens of restaurant Lasserre in 2010. Trained by Alain Ducasse, he honed his craft in Monaco at the Louis XV, then in Paris where his innovative Asian-fusion dishes at Spoon meant it was almost impossible to snag a table. From there he went to the Plaza Athénée before taking on the challenge of Lasserre, a 70 year old culinary flagship with an incredible backstory. Moret says influences come from organic producers all over France and from his mentors Alain Ducasse, Bruno Cirino and Jacques Maximin. What are you most proud of in terms of your own achievement? My children, Camille 22 and Gabriel 16. What’s your secret talent? Motorbikes: I’m passionate about them, if I wasn’t a chef I’d be Valentino Rossi! Where were you born? Orléans, in the Loiret region. If you could share a coffee or bottle of wine with a fellow Parisien past or present who would it be? The most Parisian of New Yorkers, Woody Allen, I adore his take on France and his incredible humour. Is there a local person you admire? There are too many to single one out. What’s Your Favourite Paris reference? The eclectic architecture, the mix of styles from each century What’s the one thing every Parisen should own? A designer pepper mill: to spice up their lives! An Item you can’t live without? My motorbike. Any pet hates about Paris It’s a beautiful city, I hate to see people throwing rubbish anywhere but in the trash-cans that are dotted all over the city. Also when they say, “French cuisine is no longer the reference it was”. Ridiculous! Favourite Place to go for lunch in Paris? Le 39V and Kei. Best address for coffee or drinks in Paris? Bars or brasserie that feel/look authentic, in Paris you’re spoilt for choice Where do you shop for clothes? Any boutique that stocks my favourite Levis 501 Where do you shop for produce/groceries? Epicerie de Longueil, 28 avenue de Longueil at Maisons Lafitte. It’s a family owned grocer, since 1880, with products from the four corners of the hexagon and a superb wine cellar. Your favourite neighbourhood in Paris? Saint Germain des Prés and La Gaité Montparnasse with it’s café concerts. Most fun thing to do in Paris ? Take a Bateau Mouche What’s the “touristy” thing you’d secretly like to do in Paris, but haven’t? A private guided visit to the Musée du Quai Branly What’s the most “touristy” thing you’ve done in Paris? Le Louvre and the Musée Rodin. Whenever I can I go there for the gardens which are magnificent and you can picnic on the grass: dejeuner sur l’herbe! Sublime! Best Life Lesson you’ve learned? Take time, give time. Live life to the full. Carpe Diem. Three words to live by? Love, sharing and sincerity One thing you would change about the world? Poverty and its’ exploitation One thing you wish Parisians would stop moaning about? The fact that they refuse to stand in line, always pushing to be front of the queue. Stop moaning that everywhere is too crowded, and stop being so aggressive. You’ve only got 25 euros left – how would you spend them? I would buy a ticket for the theatre or a spectacle. Favourite Book? Ravage de Barjavel. A sci-fi fiction novel written by René Barjavel, set in 2052 France. It was first published in 1943 and I think it’s called Ashes, Ashes in English All time favourite movie? La Grand Evasion – The Great Escape starring Steve McQueen and James Garner. Favourite city to visit (apart from Paris) Rome. An exceptional city, la dolce vita in all its’ splendour. Is there an annual event like a festival, gala, or an exhibit that you look forward to every year? The FIAC contemporary art fair at the Grand Palais and lots of “off fair” exhibitions, for its’ energy, diversity and discoveries. What’s the one place you HAVE to take an out-of-town guest to in Paris? La Saint Chapelle : A royal medieval Gothic chapel, located near the Palais de la Cité, on Ile de la Cité in the heart of Paris. Damaged during the French revolution, restored in the 19th century, it has one of the most extensive in-situ collections of 13th century stained glass anywhere in the world.   Lasserre, 17 avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 8 M: Franklin D Rossevelt