Caractère, the first restaurant by husband and wife team Emily Roux and Diego Ferrari is opening its doors for the first time tomorrow. Most diners will expect Emily to be in the kitchens in her chef whites, but no, Emily will be heading up front of house greeting diners as they arrive, Diego Ferrari is Head Chef.
“Two head chefs in a kitchen can be one too many!” says Emily Roux. “Even at home, one of us cooks at a time. I’m thrilled to be working front of house, great service is just as important as great food to me, and I love to talk and get feedback directly from our guests. You don’t get to do much of that in the kitchen.”
Emily will have the benefit of witnessing first-hand the example of front of house statesman Silvano Giraldin, maître-d’ at her father’s London restaurant Le Gavroche.
“We’ve come up with the menu together.” says Diego Ferrari. “The food belongs to both of us, the entire concept of the restaurant belongs to both of us, and we can be much more in control of the entire experience for our guests if we share these roles between us.”
Caractère, meaning ‘character’ encompasses what both Emily and Diego hold dearest – beautiful food, warm surroundings, expert and friendly service – all delivered with real character.
Both chefs were trained in the classic French way but their love for Italian food is also what has bound them, and it shines in their menu. Emily is the daughter of the legendary Michel Roux Jr, and Italian born Diego has been Head Chef at Le Gavroche for the past three years.
“The day is almost here! We haven’t even opened the doors yet and it’s already been a total whirlwind. This is our dream though, and we are so excited to welcome you all to our first restaurant together.” says Emily Roux.
On the basis of its namesake, ‘Caractère’, the menu is divided into six character traits with up to three dishes to choose from in each section:
- Curious – small plates/starters
- Subtle – Vegetable-focussed small plates/starters
- Delicate – Fish – main courses
- Robust – Meat – main courses
- Strong – Cheese
- Greedy – Dessert
Combining their love of classic French and Italian food, the menu is an expression of their culinary backgrounds and includes dishes that have been elevated from the dishes they love to cook for each other at home.
Hospitality & Catering News would like to wish Emily and Diego every success with Caractère.
To book a table click here
Caractère
209 Westbourne Park Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 1EA
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
Lunch 12.00-14.00pm
Dinner 18.15-21.45pm
