At Caractère, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in London's Notting Hill, chef and owner Emily Roux is carrying on the culinary legacy of her family, particularly her father Michel Roux Jr. One way she's doing this is by collaborating with him on a special holiday menu, which has become a highly sought-after reservation.
The menu, which includes dishes such as cacio e pepe made with celeriac instead of pasta noodles, showcases the chefs' signature style and attention to detail. Emily, 35, says that she wanted to create something that would allow guests to experience her family's culinary tradition in a modern way.
Growing up, Emily was immersed in food and cooking, helping out in her father's kitchen from an early age. After studying at Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France, she worked in top restaurants in Paris and Monaco before opening Caractère with her husband Diego Ferrari.
Caractère has become a beloved restaurant in Notting Hill, known for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service. The menu is designed to be flexible, with dishes that can be ordered individually or as part of a tasting menu.
Emily's goal is not just to carry on her family's legacy but also to forge her own path as a chef. She says that she pushes herself to innovate and improve, not just for the sake of the restaurant but also for personal satisfaction.
One thing that sets Caractère apart from other restaurants is its commitment to using only the best ingredients and creative presentation. The chefs are always looking for ways to evolve the menu and surprise their guests with new flavors and techniques.
For Emily, owning a restaurant is not just about cooking up a storm but also about creating a sense of community and belonging. She wants Caractère to be a place where people can feel at home, surrounded by good food and warm hospitality.
As she looks to the future, Emily is focused on building her reputation as a chef in her own right, rather than simply relying on her family's name. With its first Michelin star under her belt, Caractère is well on its way to becoming one of London's top dining destinations.
The menu, which includes dishes such as cacio e pepe made with celeriac instead of pasta noodles, showcases the chefs' signature style and attention to detail. Emily, 35, says that she wanted to create something that would allow guests to experience her family's culinary tradition in a modern way.
Growing up, Emily was immersed in food and cooking, helping out in her father's kitchen from an early age. After studying at Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France, she worked in top restaurants in Paris and Monaco before opening Caractère with her husband Diego Ferrari.
Caractère has become a beloved restaurant in Notting Hill, known for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service. The menu is designed to be flexible, with dishes that can be ordered individually or as part of a tasting menu.
Emily's goal is not just to carry on her family's legacy but also to forge her own path as a chef. She says that she pushes herself to innovate and improve, not just for the sake of the restaurant but also for personal satisfaction.
One thing that sets Caractère apart from other restaurants is its commitment to using only the best ingredients and creative presentation. The chefs are always looking for ways to evolve the menu and surprise their guests with new flavors and techniques.
For Emily, owning a restaurant is not just about cooking up a storm but also about creating a sense of community and belonging. She wants Caractère to be a place where people can feel at home, surrounded by good food and warm hospitality.
As she looks to the future, Emily is focused on building her reputation as a chef in her own right, rather than simply relying on her family's name. With its first Michelin star under her belt, Caractère is well on its way to becoming one of London's top dining destinations.