Par
Emilien Vicens
Published on
Nov 4, 2024 at 11:32 a.m.
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It’s a page that turns Belestaa small village in the Pyrénées-Orientales, above Ille-sur-Têt. Julien Montassiéthe head of restaurant La Coopérative, at Domaine Riberach has announced that he is leaving the establishment after ten years spent in the kitchens. The latter won the green star in 2022 then the red star in the Michelin Guide, just a few months ago.
Julien Montassié leaves Bélesta
“A few months before my 10 years at the estate. 10 years of passion, questioning, determination to reach the stars… I’m leaving Riberach. » It was in a message posted on his social networks that Julien Montassié (33 years old) announced the news. The starred chef of the restaurant La Coopérative will leave the establishment with which he grew up.
Arrived in the Pyrénées-Orientales and Bélesta in 2014at the start of his career, the Ariégeois contributed to the reputation of this restaurant nestled in the heart of Fenouillèdes. First under the orders of Laurent Lemal, today at La Balette in Collioure, then alone in charge, since 2020.
In just four years, Julien Montassié made La Coopérative one of the best restaurants in the department. Awarded a green star by the Michelin, for its eco-responsibility, then the famous red star, for the excellence of its cuisine, the establishment also won three toques in the Gault et Millau guide, recently.
“I stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales”
“A chapter is turning and another will open soon after a little vacation.
You can count on me to continue to do my best to delight you,” continues Julien Montassié in his press release. But will the chef continue his career in the Pyrénées-Orientales?
Joined by News Perpignanthe latter reassures his loyal customers: “I remain in the department, with whom I have formed a strong bond”. Julien Montassié has not yet revealed his base and the outlines of his future project. He promises to do it very quickly.
The restaurant keeps the Michelin star (for now)
Even if Julien Montassié leaves the restaurant, La Coopérative will keep its Michelin star (and its green star), at least until March 2025. Indeed, according to the regulations of the Michelin Guide, the stars belong to the restaurants and not to the chefs, who cannot take them with them when they change establishments.
However, if La Coopérative wants to retain its star in March 2025 – date of publication of the new Michelin Guide – its new chef will have to maintain the culinary quality required by this distinction. In which case, the restaurant will lose its star.
For his part, Julien Montassié will have to start from scratch and wait at least one more year to hope to win the star in the kitchens of his future restaurant.
A “new chapter” for Domaine Riberach
For its part, Domaine Riberach and its restaurant La Coopérative announce the opening of a “new chapter” and salute “excellence and passion” of its chef Julien Montassié. “His talent and unwavering commitment have shaped the identity of our cuisine and enabled us to win prestigious distinctions,” continues the estate.
“We are pleased to announce that Aurélien Goizé, assistant chef for three years, now becomes Executive Chef / Director of Catering and takes charge of all gastronomy at Domaine Riberach,” announces the establishment.
“As for La Coopérative, it is Dennys Teixeira, current sous-chef, who will take over the pots and sign the new menu. Its cuisine will draw on the local terroir, to offer an authentic and inspired experience, in perfect harmony with the spirit of the estate. Continuity and innovation are at the heart of our commitment,” concludes Domaine Riberach.
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