Le Beaulieu, the award-winning modern French fine dining restaurant at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, has appointed Charles Degrendele as its new Chef de Cuisine.
A native of Marseille, France, Chef Charles brings a fresh perspective to modern French cuisine with a culinary background that spans diverse cultures and influences. His culinary journey has taken him around the world, from Michelin-starred restaurants in the south of France to Sydney, England, Ireland and Tokyo, where he worked as a sous chef at Shuzo Kishida’s 3-Michelin-starred Quintessence in Tokyo.
“Sophisticated gourmands dining at Le Beaulieu will be delighted to discover Chef Charles’ tremendous creativity, skill and expertise as they experience the finest ingredients from around the world, in a historical setting unlike any other in Vietnam,” said Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos.
Chef Charles’ tasting menu at Le Beaulieu epitomizes his culinary vision in three words: sustainable, innovative and simple. Each dish is a chapter in a culinary story, carefully curated to maintain a logical flow of textures and flavors. Through his tasting menu, Chef Charles showcases the finest produce, pays homage to dedicated suppliers, and presents the ingredients in an artistic and elegant manner.
Le Beaulieu and its refined al fresco extension La Terrasse relaunched last year following an extensive refurbishment. With an elegant and sophisticated new design, alongside renowned French gastronomy and a wide selection of wines, the signature restaurant at Metropole Hanoi ties together the hotel’s storied past with a contemporary new look that melds the opulent, the classical and the modern in a single scheme that’s long on white, gold and heathery blue-grays.
Operating in its current space since 1901, Le Beaulieu is believed to be the oldest continually operating restaurant in Vietnam.
Le Beaulieu continues to spotlight modern French gastronomy with nods to classical French flavors and an emphasis on seasonality and superior ingredients. The restaurant’s inventive approach both to cuisine and service is enhanced by a chef-driven perspective. While there are some traditional French touches, the presentation is stylish, with well-balanced portions and fresh produce from France, Vietnam and elsewhere.
Le Beaulieu boasts one of the most extensive wine collections in Hanoi, featuring more than 600 references and 1,600 bottles, including over 100 Grand Cru Classés and wines from leading chateaux, vintners and wineries from France and around the world. Service staff at Le Beaulieu draw on their wine knowledge and experience to offer pairing recommendations.