3 MICHELIN STARS FOR HÉLÈNE DARROZE AND 2 MICHELIN STARS FOR ANDREW WONG IN 1 NIGHT
It was an incredible evening last night in the UK as the Michelin Great Britain and Ireland 2021 restaurant recipients was announced. No less than 23 restaurants were awarded the new Michelin green star for sustainability. Additionally, 17 new one-star restaurants, 3 new two-star restaurants, and 2 new three-star restaurants were awarded –bringing the total number of Michelin recognized restaurants within the UK to 185. This has been a devastating year for hospitality in the British Isles, so these announcements were not only very welcome, but saw some very emotional responses from everyone involved.
For us here at Lotus London, we are delighted to announce that the incredible Hélène Darroze was awarded 3 stars for her restaurant in Mayfair, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught–just one week after her restaurant in Paris, Marsan par Hélène Darroze, was awarded 2 stars by the Michelin Guide France. Also, the truly magnificent Andrew Wong was awarded a second star for his restaurant in Pimlico, A.Wong. Chinese restaurants have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, and this is the first time Michelin has recognized Chinese food at this level outside of Asia, so it was cause for a double celebration for the UK.
HÉLÈNE DARROZE HONORED WITH 5 MICHELIN STARS IN ONE WEEK
2021 is already proving an exceptional vintage for Hélène Darroze. After receiving a second star in the Michelin Guide France last week for her restaurant “Marsan” in Paris, she has now been awarded the ultimate 3 stars in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland for her London restaurant “Hélène Darroze at The Connaught”, within The Connaught Hotel.
In 2008, the legendary Connaught Hotel in prestigious Mayfair was searching for a French chef to run its kitchen and reconnect with the tradition of French cuisine. The Connaught Hotel turned to Hélène Darroze, who took up the challenge and responsibility. It was awarded its first Michelin star in 2009, six months after opening. A second star was awarded to the restaurant in 2011.
Speaking after the ceremony, Hélène said: “It is with immense emotion and honor that I receive this award. My first thoughts are with my teams, especially Kirk Whittle, my pastry accomplice for the last 17 years, Executive Chef Marco Zampese and Restaurant Manager Mirko Benzo, who have been working with me at The Connaught for over 8 years. My thoughts also go out to Paddy McKillen, co-owner of The Connaught, who has trusted me to take the reins of the gourmet restaurant since 2008. My appreciation particularly goes to the small suppliers who have helped us, especially the wonderful and emerging British producers, without whom good cooking would not be possible, and need support at this time. I am also particularly proud to receive this award alongside my friend, Chef Clare Smyth. Believe in your dreams – everything is possible, and stay true to your femininity!”
Faithful to her philosophy both in Paris and London, Hélène Darroze creates a cuisine that gives pride to produce, whether sourced in her native Les Landes and the Basque Country regions where she grew up, or in the British Isles. This signature cuisine–inspired not just by her roots, but also her travels, the people she has met, and of course her strong link with the United Kingdom–is remarkably executed by Marco Zampese, assisted by a team of 15 people, and directed by Mirko Benzo and his collaborators in the prestigious dining, recently renovated by Pierre Yovanovitch.
CELEBRATIONS AS A.WONG RECEIVES COVETED SECOND MICHELIN STAR
Restaurant A.Wong was awarded a second Michelin star yesterday evening at the 2021 edition of the prestigious Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland, streamed live from Paris.
This marks the first time a Chinese restaurant outside Asia has been honored in this way.
Chef Patron Andrew Wong opened A.Wong with his wife Nathalie and Restaurant Director, Chinobek in 2012. Showcasing the rich diversity of China’s food culture and its 14 international borders, the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2017.
Based on an intuitive expression of tradition, authenticity, and craft, Andrew garners inspiration from the work of past ancestors and present masters with equal respect. He celebrates their truest form with a fresh perspective and subtle innovation.
Andrew commented, “We are beyond delighted to have been recognized by Michelin with a second star. We have an incredible team who have supported us every day and been such an integral part of this journey. Like so many restaurants, this has been a hard and challenging year, and we’re all just looking forward to celebrating-virtually-and hopefully in person in the not-too-distant future!”
