Just next door to the Circuit Paul Ricard conveniently located not too far from the French Riviera, you will find the five star resort Hôtel du Castellet. With nice views of the Golfe d’Amour and a pleasant setting on the edge of a pine forest you will find the ideal location for the property’s fine dining restaurant – Le MonteCristo.

Executive Chef Christophe Bacquié has made the most amazing effort to place Hôtel du Castellet and its Le MonteCristo restaurant at the very top of the gastronomic world. Today, Chef Bacquié is in charge of all the resort’s restaurants including the restaurants at the neighbouring three star hotel. The Chef’s love of seafood and especially fish is impossible to miss when you cast a glance at his menu. Every morning, the Chef drives 20 kilometres to the local fish market to secure the best catch of the day. Christophe Bacquié’s uncompromising view of the best ingredients is something you are going to experience over and over again during your meal. It is incredible how important it is to have top quality when it comes to the high-end level the Chef works at. Bacquié prepares his cuisine in a playful and creative way, but what is most significant is the over the top technical execution of his work. Every little detail, every small part of each ingredient has been carefully prepared. The technical perfection of Chef Bacquié’s work is amongst the very best in the world. The flavours and to have good fun during a meal are never forgotten. A good example is the Chef’s dish of octopus with dip – ingenious!

Christophe Bacquié was born in 1972 and he grew up in Corsica in Lumio. He is the son of a father from Aquitaine and a mother from Lorraine. Christophe was born not far from Paris, but Corsica was the place where he spent most of his childhood and the South has clearly shaped his personality and identity. Corsica also was the location where his career really took off during his twelve years at The Villa where he became the most recognised and highest rewarded chef at the island. He becomes a Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2004 and he has been managing the cuisine at Hôtel du Castellet since 2009.

The Chef would never been able to keep his top standards without a great team standing by his side. Wine Director Romain Ambrosi makes the most impeccable pairings to Bacquié’s cuisine, and many times you will have fantastic wines from all corners of the world you would never expected to have. Pleasant surprises over and over again which enhances your dinner experience further. As with all truly great restaurants – it is about the team – a team which works together and acts as one.

It can not be better, really, enjoy a day at the motor racing circuit, stay at a five star resort and end a perfect day with Executive Chef Christophe Bacquié’s cuisine at Le MonteCristo.

Written by Andy