The mystery to those of us who live in Bordeaux is why it has taken so long for top chefs to come to Bordeaux. It is such a natural fit to pair great food with the best wine in the world, you would have thought that Bordeaux would be well populated with Michelin stars. But it is not the case and in fact these two are the first “uber” chefs to come to the city.
Bordeaux is in a season of renaissance that started about 15 years ago with the massive renovation and infrastructure projects launch by Mayor Alain Juppé. Furthermore, the powerful Bordeaux wine industry has spent the last 10 years building a significant brand message to the world that Bordeaux is the capital of the global wine industry. Wine tourism is increasing exponentially and today Bordeaux has been voted the number one European city destination. It also has the largest real estate development in France reclaiming a gigantic brown field site in the city centre and accommodating new wine museum a hotel spa, restaurants and 4000 new residences. Finally, the long awaited high speed TGV train connection with Paris will be completed in 2017 allowing travelers to reach Bordeaux from Paris in about 2 hours.
Joel Robuchon launched La Grande Maison last year and although none of the MSB team have been lucky enough to eat there yet, we know those who have and the reports are very positive. Needless to say it is impossible to get a reservation for weeks in advance, either for lunch or dinner.
Perhaps it is the combination of all of these factors that has given Gordon Ramsey the confidence to relaunch le Pressoir d’Argent in the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux opposite the Opera House. The hope is that he will be open for business for VineExpo in a few weeks’ time, but in any event it will be soon. Quoted in Wine Searcher Ramsey stated that “Having successfully opened the Trianon Palace [two Michelin stars], I am delighted to open this second restaurant in France at the heart of the world’s most famous vineyards, and also to work with the region’s internationally acclaimed produce.”
Bordeaux is on the move and every indication points to growth. It is an exciting time to live in this wonderful city and judging by the vast number of construction sites and cranes dotted across the city centre, investors also believe that this jewel amongst the vines is about eat and drink better than ever before.