NICE MEETING! VALENTIN IN CHARGE OF CAFÉ BORELY IN JANUARY.
1-What is your background?
I started as an apprentice at 15 years old at Rhul on the Corniche, then I spent 2 years apprenticing at Levy at Alcyone at the Intercontinental Hôtel Dieu in the Panier district. After that, I worked as a sous chef at David Mijoba's Bistrot du C.A.M for a year, and when he left, I took over as chef there for 9 months. These were varied experiences, but above all, a great school to learn to get up early and test my passion for the job! After that sequence, I needed a break and wanted to see something new!
I went to Southeast Asia with my partner for 6 months, we experienced so much with our eyes and our taste buds, and upon returning to France, I became the sous chef for Xavier Zappata at Madame Jeanne in the Palais de Justice area.
Then I went to Le Péron as a sous chef for 8 months with Jéremie Bigoud, followed by Le Sépia with Paul Langlere, and then I did a season at Rendezvous des Amis in the Panier as a chef with Leopold. Many great encounters and discoveries led to the creation of EIMA, a small private chef business, chef residencies, and events... co-founded with Leopold, a former member of Sépia. The future is written day by day, and I’m currently in residence at Café Borely until February...
2-What does the brand Espigas inspire in you?
Espigas inspires me with its commitment to local craftsmanship, a product—specifically the espadrille for men and women—that is both aesthetic and eco-responsible, much like my cooking in a way!
3-What would your dream perfect day be?
A trip for sure!
4-Your 20 best euros spent?
A flight ticket from Vietnam to Malaysia during my backpacking trip in Asia! (Stars in my eyes...)
5-Any projects?
Eima, my little nomadic chef business! Eima, ama means "to love" in Provençal...!!! and the anagram of Eima is "amie" (friend)... A cuisine for those we love, a cuisine for the friends we share with love...? It's a whole program! And it’s doing great!!! Find us at the legendary Café Borely, a delightful spot at Château Borely, brilliantly managed by the very professional Sophie Porte, until the end of January, and for what comes next, follow us on our Instagram page!
...and my family, which is about to expand!