Exquisite cuisine of L’ASSIETTE CHAMPENOISE is distinguished by high-class performance and beautiful presentation along with a subtle harmony of tastes, while behind each plate there is always a story of men and women, farmers, fishermen, gardeners or winegrowers — people who share a passion and respect for local produce of Champagne region and beyond.
Restaurant L’ASSIETTE CHAMPENOISE is located in the five-star hotel of the same name in the beautiful and picturesque suburb of Reims. Both establishments are owned by the Lallement family.
The gastronomic history of the Lallement family began in 1975 when Jean-Pierre and his wife Colette opened a restaurant in the village of Chalons Sur Vesle near Reims.
The restaurant very quickly became famous among gourmets, and business went uphill. In 1986, the family moved to Tinqueux, closer to Reims, to a mansion that later became the L’ASSIETTE CHAMPENOISE restaurant and hotel. In 2010, the mansion was renovated and turned into a stylish modern establishment, equipped with the latest technology.
Created by their parents about 40 years ago, L’ASSIETTE CHAMPENOISE is managed by the Chef Arnaud Lallement, his wife Magali and his sister Mélanie — they work day by day to immortalise the hospitality tradition of their family.
ARNAUD LALLEMENT: “Mangez vrai!”
The elegant, modern décor of the restaurant with a light lounge style reflects the personality of Arnaud Lallement, whose creative cuisine is also elegantly sophisticated and aims to create complex flavor combinations based on high quality products.
In the Photo: Chef & Owner Arnaud Lallement
Arnaud has always wanted to be a chef. From a very young age, he watched his father at the stove in the kitchen of the family restaurant in Chalons Sur Vesle. It was he who gave the young Arnaud all his passion and skill and determined his life path.
Having received a diploma from the Strasbourg College of Hospitality and Catering, Arnaud at the age of 18 went to learn his craft along with the great names of French cuisine, like Roger Vergé, Chef of the legendary Moulin de Mougins, Michel Guérard, one of the longest-standing 3-star chefs in France, or Alain Chapel and his famous establishment in Mionnay.
In 1996, Arnaud returned to Reims and joined his father, and in 1998 he took over the kitchen of L’ASSIETTE CHAMPENOISE. Since then, Arnaud has developed and perfected its cuisine, steadily rising to its pedestal.
In 2001 he received his first Michelin star, in 2005 his second, and in 2014 his third Michelin star and was named Chef of the Year by Gault & Millau.
Arnaud Lallement is very demanding in his work, carefully considering each dish. Over the years, he has focused on the main thing: the taste. His favorite motto is “Mangez vrai” — every flavor is marked with two major constants on which the Chef doesn’t compromise: “work the most beautiful product and respect an adequate acidity to give the desire to repeat the experience”.
“Everything I cook is a tribute to my favorite Champagne region. I make every effort to cook a straight food, really pure, on the edge of acidity, — says Arnaud. — I am constantly in search of the best product, impeccable quality is important to me, its natural state, which must be respected and emphasized without masking it. I keep in touch with producers and craftsmen from all over France, real and passionate people who feed us every day. France is a big garden on a beautiful farm!”
The creative culinary style of Arnaud is inspired not only by France, but also far beyond its borders. In his dishes, he uses the best quality products, served with special attention to their natural and pure taste.
“EMOTIONS” SIGNATURE MENU
- AMUSE BOUCHE SELECTION (could be served on the terrace with aperitif drink)
- HOMEMADE BREAD & BUTTER SERVING
- “HIVE OF OUR PARK”
- CASIER ROSCOFF CRAB, SEAWEED FONDANTES AND THE CREAM OF HEADS
Wine suggestion: Alexandre Grimée Lieu dit Sous les Trous, Vigne de Bonneil, Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs, Champagne
Wine card of L’ASSIETTE CHAMPENOISE offers an amazing selection of champagnes, with about 600 different labels of major prestigious champagne houses — this is the most extensive list of champagnes in the world.
The Lallement family has worked closely with Olivier Krug for several years and they are the official representatives of Krug Champagne. In addition to champagne list, there are many great wine items to choose.
“The alliance between cuisine and champagnes, between seasonal products and the amazing variety of champagnes produced by winegrowers, cuisine that goes well with champagne is the basis of my creativity, — says Arnaud. — For an oenologist, any dish can be combined with champagne — you just need to find what fits. I tried to tell about this in my books.”
- BEET IN TEXTURES
- FRENCH CAVIAR BY KAVIARI PARIS, SMOKED HADDOCK, POTATO — one of the most signature and long-existent dishes on the menu
Wine suggestion: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs, 2011, Champagne
- BRITTANY BLUE LOBSTER AS A TRIBUTE TO CHEF’S FATHER, JUICE OF THE HEADS — another one irreplaceable course on Arnaud’s menu
Wine suggestion: Domaine Violot-Guillemard, Beaune Premier Cru ‘Clos des Mouches’ Blanc, 2016
“Of course, our menu changes depending on the season, new items appear, but there are specialties that have been around since day one. These include our famous blue lobster — a tribute to my father, childhood memories of the holidays when we got together with the whole family, — says Arnaud. — I started working under the guidance of my dad, who ran the restaurant for many years. He is still with me all the time, his advice, help and guidance.”
- COD FROM THE BRETON COAST, CANDIED ONIONS AND BUTTER SEAWEED
- FREE-SHIPPED VEAL TENDERLOIN, CRISPY POTATO STRAW, REDUCED JUS
Wine suggestion: Domaine des Roches Neuves Terres Chaudes, Saumur-Champigny 2018
The break berween savory and sweet parts is filled with a CHEESE TROLLEY featuring a grand selection of gourmet cheeses, accompanied by jams and honey.
Wine suggestion: Taittinger Prestige Rosé Brut Champagne
Deserts and a complement from the chef:
- CITRUS, FROST CLEMENTINE
- PETITS FOURS
Arnaud Lallement: “Like now, in the future I especially want to continue to live my passion, emotions, sharing them with my guests. So that our house is always open for true gourmets and fans of champagne.”
Menu “Emotion” — 355€
Experience champagnes and wines of loved French winemakers — 195€
L’Assiette Champenoise
Address: 40 Avenue Paul Vaillant-Couturier 51430 Tinqueux, Reims, France
Contacts: +33 (0) 3 26 84 64 64;
INFOS@ASSIETTECHAMPENOISE.COM
Instagram: @assiettechampenoise
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
