Gwyneth's Favorite Female Chef Snags a Second Michelin Star

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Jan 24th 2011 at 6:02PM

Hélène Darroze (above), who runs the chic eatery in her name at London's posh Connaught hotel, has just been awarded a second Michelin star making her the only female chef in the UK with two of the coveted étoiles under her toque. Gwyneth Paltrow, who lived at the Connaught for a month and was a regular visitor to the restaurant while renovating her house in London, is one of Darroze's biggest fans. Reinforcing the legendary Mayfair hotel's 114 year old legacy of fine dining, Darroze, a protegé of Alain Ducasse, has established a loyal following among other notables and gourmets as well with traditional dishes from her native Southwest France combined with the best seasonal ingredients from the British Isles.

Gallery: Helene Darroze at The Connaught

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught opened in July 2008 and was awarded its first Michelin star only six months later. Signature dishes include a "Fines de Claire" oyster tartare with caviar from Sologne and a chilled velouté of white beans from Béarn. Designed by India Mahdavi, the restaurant is warm and inviting, designed to be at once grand and intimate. Darroze's honor further establishes The Connaught as offering one of London's premier culinary experiences and elevates the Maybourne Hotel Group legacy of fine dining, which also includes Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, Koffmann's, Pierre Koffmann's new restaurant at The Berkeley and Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's.

Tags: Alain Ducasse, chef, Connaught, France, Gordon Ramsay, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hélène Darroze, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London, luxury hotel, Mayfair, Michelin, UK