In a world overrun by fake news and misinformation, there are those who care about clarity: Alain Ducasse, the 13-Michelin-starred French chef, denies the rumors about the crisis in haute cuisine. A large proportion of patrons today are attracted to gourmet restaurants because they offer the opportunity to experience magical moments, unlike other types of activities.
The news
Alain Ducasse, in a recent interview for Observer, compared haute cuisine to fashion: “It is not going to disappear, it will always be there”. According to the chef, a good portion of the clientele is interested, which is why the positive trend will remain constant. "I have traveled a lot learning that, contrary to what the media says, quite a few fine dining restaurants are opening: the restaurant industry is veering more and more toward a refined approach. The way I see things is the opposite of what the information reports.".
Several reports have come out in the last period about the crisis affecting the industry, rising costs, and staff shortages. Among the many is the news of the closure of Noma in Copenhagen and Redzepi's turnaround, on which the multi-starred chef comments , “I don't have much to say about the decision taken by René, he knows how to run his business, only that one cannot confuse this isolated case with the whole issue and the overall health of fine dining. Since the sad announcement, up north they have continued to work their heads off, for example Frantzén in Stockholm, which recently also opened in London at Harrods. Europe is full of gastronomic innovation, just look at what is happening in Rome, it is all so wonderfully dynamic. On the other hand, not long ago I was pleasantly amazed by the food I ate in Nice, at Les Agitateurs, where they offer contemporary dishes at modest prices. I mean, do you understand that what they are feeding us on the news does not reflect the reality of the facts?".
Despite changes in consumer habits, which are increasingly inclined to embrace more informal and affordable solutions, many desire memorable experiences, where every detail is meticulously cared for, service, atmosphere, plating. A once-in-a-lifetime pampering that they can afford, a luxury that offers the opportunity to regenerate mind and body by engaging all five senses, and that arouses a unique and unrepeatable emotion elsewhere.
