Shintaro Awa becomes head chef at L'Ambroisie

PARIS. 39-year-old Shintaro Awa is to take over the management of the kitchen at the three-star restaurant L'Ambroisie. He will succeed Bernard Pacaud. The appointment has been announced by the owner of the restaurant on Place des Vosges, Walter Butler. Shintaro Awa started work at L'Ambroisie this week. He will be working with Pacaud until September. This should ensure a harmonious transition. Bernard Pacaud will be 78 years old in September. L'Ambroisie has been rated with three stars in the Michelin Guide for 37 years.

Born in Japan to a family of restaurateurs, Shintaro Awa has worked in prestigious restaurants for two decades, including twelve years at the Bristol when Eric Frechon was in charge of the restaurant. In 2023, the attempt to find a smooth succession plan at L'Ambroisie failed. Christophe Moret left the company after just a few months.

Bernard Pacaud began his career as an apprentice at the legendary Mère Brazier in Lyon. He then became Claude Peyrot's deputy, who recognised his exceptional talent. "You are Mozart, I am just a hard-working and honest Karajan," he wrote to him. Since 1986, he has established his classical style at Place des Vosges, based on exceptionally high-quality products. This year, he was honoured with the Mentor Chef Award by the Michelin Guide France for his life's work.