Ep 1. Alain Passard

Alain Passard, the first episode of Chef's Table: France, dives into the genius of a chef who has reinvented French cuisine and continues to push the boundaries of the culinary world. Passard is the head chef and owner of L'Arpège, a three Michelin-starred restaurant located in the heart of Paris.

The episode begins with a brief history of Passard's career, from his early days working in various restaurants to the moment he bought L'Arpège in 1986. At this point, Passard was already an accomplished chef, known for his innovative approach to traditional French cuisine.

Passard's style of cooking is centered around the idea of "vegetable symphonies". The majority of the dishes at L'Arpège are composed of vegetables, many of which are grown in the restaurant's extensive vegetable garden just outside of Paris. Passard believes that by using vegetables as the main focus of his dishes, he's able to showcase the true flavors of each ingredient and create a more well-rounded and dynamic dining experience.

Throughout the episode, we're given an inside look at Passard's creative process. We see him visiting his vegetable garden, carefully selecting the ingredients he'll use in his dishes. We also see him in the kitchen, working closely with his team of chefs to develop and perfect new recipes.

One of the most striking aspects of the episode is the attention to detail that Passard puts into every aspect of his cooking. He's not only an expert in flavor combinations but also in the art of plating. Each dish is carefully crafted to not only taste delicious but also look like a work of art.

As the episode progresses, we learn more about Passard's philosophy on food. For him, cooking is not just about creating a delicious meal but also about telling a story. He wants each dish to evoke a specific emotion or memory in the diner, creating a more immersive dining experience.

Overall, the Alain Passard episode of Chef's Table: France is a must-watch for any food lover. It's a fascinating look into the mind of a culinary genius who has dedicated his life to pushing the boundaries of French cuisine. Passard's passion and dedication to his craft are truly inspiring, and his innovative approach to cooking will leave you in awe.