The young and talented chef from Villefranche (25 years old), who next month will celebrate the first year of opening his gourmet restaurant, l’Atelier, is named in the 2024 class of the Fork Awards. This gastronomic trophy, awarded thanks to votes from the general public, highlights the new generation of chefs in France who have just opened or taken over a restaurant.
“a big boost “
After a few days of well-deserved rest, Damien Espeillac has already found his way back.gastronomic laboratory ” of Place Fontanges. The reopening is planned for tomorrow evening (Editor’s note, Tuesday), and the young chef has already reinvested the kitchens of “l’Atelier”, which opened its doors in July 2023. Almost a year later Later, the owner of the house draws up a more than satisfactory assessment: “ It always takes a little time for word of mouth to spread, but overall, I’m very satisfied with this first season. There have been highs, but also some lows, particularly during certain periods that are traditionally quite calm (January, March, April, etc.). But for a first year, there’s really nothing to complain about.” The young chef, who worked alongside the renowned Paul Ducasse for six years, is today surrounded by four employees (two in the kitchen and two in the dining room) in this new gastronomic adventure, where short circuits are favored: “Here, everything is homemade, everything is artisanal. I make it a point of honor to work with small producers in the surrounding area, as well as with local artisans. Some of my tableware was also made by a ceramist from Rieupeyroux. It is this spirit that I want to transcribe. Here, we make, we create, like in a workshop “. A workshop today in the spotlight, since the restaurant is one of the 90 nominees for the 2024 class of the Fork Awards. 80 renowned chefs have preselected the current gems, including “l’Atelier” by Damien Espeillac. “This nomination is a real boost” proudly confides the chef. His godfathers? Noémie and Quentin Bourdy who, once again, do not hesitate to support and encourage young talents in the region.*
It’s up to the public to vote
“. I’m a gamer at heart, so of course I would like to win… But just to be nominated and people are talking about it, it’s a great spotlight for the restaurant Afterwards, I thank you once again Quentin, who has always been at my side since my arrival. When you move to a city, you don’t expect to be so supported. There was a lot of mutual help, from Quentin, from Franck de l’Estaminet… In fact, I felt a camaraderie in Villefranche, and not competition.” It is now up to the general public to vote, and to lovers of Damien Espeillac’s cuisine to mobilize so that the young chef reaches the top. In total, six prizes will be awarded in Paris next December. Votes end on September 30.
> To vote for your favorite restaurant, go to the “The Fork Awards 2024” website. Please note that the Workshop will be open from Tuesday evening to Sunday lunchtime during the summer period.
* Noémie and Quentin also sponsor two other restaurants in the area, “Touosto” in Rodez and “La table de Charrou” in Limogne. In 2021, Oriane Journeau du Pied-De-Poule was also nominated.
