Ep 2. Alexandre Couillon

Chef's Table: France is a stunning documentary series on Netflix that takes a behind-the-scenes look at some of the world's greatest French chefs. In season 1 episode 2, we meet Alexandre Couillon, the talented chef behind the critically acclaimed restaurant La Marine in Noirmoutier.

The episode starts with a glimpse into Couillon's early years, growing up on Île d'Yeu, an island off the coast of France, where he learned to forage for wild herbs and fish with his father. This early connection to the sea and nature is evident in his cooking, which honors the local ingredients of his region and showcases the stunning seafood of the Atlantic.

From there, we follow Couillon's journey as he trains in some of the top kitchens in France, including Le Crillon and Le Bristol in Paris. His talent and dedication are immediately apparent, and his determination to create his own restaurant and showcase the cuisine of his region is inspiring.

When he finally opens La Marine, it's clear that Couillon has achieved his dream. The restaurant, located in a charming fishing village on the island of Noirmoutier, is a stunning space with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the sea. Here, Couillon's cuisine takes center stage, with dishes that highlight the best of the Atlantic's bounty.

Throughout the episode, we get to see Couillon at work in his kitchen, where he and his team create stunning dishes using local ingredients like cockles, sea urchin, and seaweed. His approach to cooking is both creative and respectful, honoring the ingredients while elevating them to new heights with his deft technique.

Perhaps the most moving part of the episode is when Couillon takes us to visit his father, who has since retired and returned to Île d'Yeu. The father and son take us on a tour of the island, pointing out the places where they used to fish and forage together. It's clear that Couillon's deep connection to the sea and his roots are an essential part of his cooking.

Overall, Chef's Table: France season 1 episode 2 is a beautiful portrait of a passionate and creative chef who has dedicated his life to showcasing the cuisine of his region. Couillon's attention to detail, reverence for his ingredients, and deep connection to his roots make this episode a must-see for anyone who loves great food and great storytelling.