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Aux Amis restaurant, a Caribbean restaurant that lifts the senses
01-April-2020
On the island, restaurants have been established with the goal of
pleasing the most gourmet clientele. With flavors from all over the
world, there is a wide range of possibilities, and among the most
sought-after cuisines by diners is, naturally, the worldwide alluring
French gastronomy, which each chef seeks to recreate with their own
touch.
Since 2016 Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa’s Aux Amis Restaurant has
developed its own concept under the expert leadership of William Girard,
a chef with vast experience in Michelin rated restaurants, acquired
under the mentorship of Yannick Alléno, 3 Michelin Starred Chef and
highly regarded in the culinary world. With this on his back, William
has been able to bring a unique touch enhanced by his expertise in
satisfying the expectations of its visitors. We had a conversation with
William Girard, where he shared with us the journey to making Aux Amis
into a culinary reference in St Barts.
St Barts is ready for a cuisine that is locally sourced, unfussy and fresh
Aux
Amis by Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa is located northeast of St Barts,
in the beautiful Grand Cul de Sac Bay. Aux Amis offers a peaceful aura,
the sea breeze and a privileged position to glance at the landscape of
the serene waters of the Caribbean to accompany a delicious meal served
with the warmth and diligence of the team led by executive chef, William
Girard. Ever since his arrival, he has a very clear idea about what he
wants this Caribbean restaurant to feature: “We are taking Aux Amis to a
bistronomic gourmet cuisine direction.” He emphasizes. Aux
Amis, at the quest to excel and have its particular style, offers to
the guests a proposal of quality gastronomy, based on family and
regional traditions with modern accents, that evoke pleasant moments,
all in an atmosphere where elegant and relaxed details are highlighted.
In the words of Girard: ”A fresh, comprehensible cuisine, with simple
names, fish, soups, vegetables, nice plates, nice supports for the
food”. A gastronomy style that does not exist in other restaurants at
St. Barts. Arriving
in 2016 for Le Barthélemy reopening, William Girard was aiming to
discover new working horizons, he was interested in the executive chef
position as he felt confident with it. At that time,Guy Martin was Aux
Amis’ consulting chef, and together they worked on developing the
restaurant to the unique spirit that now holds. After
one year under Guy Martin’s consultancy, William Girard took the full
role as the principal chef at Aux Amis. Due to his experience, knowledge
and listening to his clients, he has brought together and merged
different cuisine styles, getting closer and closer to the Bistronomic
concept he is looking for in which Aux Amis clients can savor his
gourmet dishes.
The best cooking begins from the heart at Aux Amis
From
a very early age, William Girard knew that life would bring him to the
kitchen. “My grandfather worked in pastry and as a gardener”, he says,
“so it was either one or another”. With the cooking gen in his DNA, he
enrolled in the Hospitality School in Biarritz. As
for his beginnings, coming from a Basque family in which everybody
cooks and everything is prepared at home, he was always surrounded by
what later would become his life’s purpose. “When I had to choose at 13
years old, I chose the kitchen. And hazardously, it worked!” he
comments, with a sparkle in his voice “It has been 25 years now and it’s
still working”. William
Girard's career has taken him to different parts of the world, from
Paris to Dubai, Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok. As he mentions, much of
his time abroad was spent with Yannick Alléno. 10 years of
apprenticeship with one of the most skilled chefs in the world,
achieving Michelin Stars in different establishments across the world.
In all this time he learned to adapt, fusing French and local gourmet
cuisines, the flavors of each region and the expectations of each
population. Thanks to these works around the world he has been able to
create a unique cuisine. Besides
the work experience, William Girard, also bears to Aux Amis a dish with
a very personal inspiration from Pays Basque, a region southwest of
France on the Atlantic coast, where he grew up. Customized to the
expectations of St Barts' guests, it's a recipe you can't miss on your
time at Aux Amis by Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa. “When
I was young, I internshipped 2 months at L’Auberge de La Galipe, with
chef Christian Parat, 2 Michelin Stars, he used to be one of my teachers
at the hospitality school. He used to prepare a boudin with apples.
This boudin was from my village, a local used to come and do it, the
chef would just add the glazed apples. In 1989, the chef got 2 Michelin
Stars with this plate.I’ve
chosen to present this plate in the menu At Aux Amis. I import the
boudin from my village in the South of France. It's kind of my signature
plate now. People should taste the boudin, just saying... we are the
only one to do it.“ Years
down the line, his chosen career keeps flourishing and his experience
growing. Discover William Girard’s unique touches at Le Barthélemy Hotel
& Spa’s Aux Amix Restaurant.
Sharing delight in cuisine
Over
time, the brand of Aux Amis as a bistronomic restaurant has come closer
to being firmly established, with its foundation in the skilled cooking
and a customized service in line with the customers' desires and to the
ambience in continuous pursuit of the comfort of our diners. With the
expert knowledge of William Girard, the appropriate adaptations have
been made so that this Caribbean restaurant can have its own gourmet
soul between the others in St. Barts. “We
are bistronomic, gourmet cuisine, greedy, with flavors, experience,
something original, pretty on the plate. It is a global experience, it's
not only cuisine, it's the place, the service, the vibe.” Among
the sections that compose Aux Amis, we can find Aux Amis Plage, a beach
restaurant on the white sands of the bay of Grand Cul de Sac, where
you can enjoy a delicious al fresco meal."It's a beach restaurant, long
chairs, snacking, sharing, portions are well served." It
is fascinating to taste and share the food while feeling the sand
beneath you, and hear the rhythmic swaying of the calm waters of the
Caribbean, in an unbeatable location on one of the most gorgeous beaches
in St. Barts. Aux
Amis Restaurant is a more intimate space reserved for our most
distinguished clientele. This is where bistronomic stands out: William
Girard's ingenious cuisine, perfect for fulfilling all the senses.
Surrounded by fine wood and a colorful decoration inviting for long
conversations in a commendable atmosphere. A striking feature is a huge
fish-shaped ceiling light, with colorful lights in perfect conjunction
with the room's decor., a memorable experience worth sharing. And
once you have toured with us through this blog, you now have an
intimate vision of the service and concept that Aux Amis restaurant has
in store for you, as well as an extra reason to stay at Le Barthélemy
Hotel & Spa and have at the foot of your room an experience that
will lift your senses.