In Conversation with Adrien Trouilloud , Chef of Les Airelles Courchevel

From vibrant family dinners to his formative experience as a young commis chef in Provence, Adrien Trouilloud’s passion for cooking started at an early age. Working his way through the kitchens of some of the world’s finest Michelin-starred establishments, including Paris’ Jules Verne and The Dorchester in London, Chef Adrien earned his own Michelin Star at Restaurant Rech in 2012, going on to open acclaimed restaurant, PINSON, with his wife Maud in 2019. In 2023, we were delighted to welcome Adrien back to his Savoie roots as Executive Chef of Les Airelles in Courchevel. We catch up with him to talk early inspirations, cooking philosophies, and the one dish we shouldn’t miss

Family seems to have had a significant influence on your passion for cooking. Is there a specific dish or culinary tradition from your family that holds a special place in your heart?

A significant experience from my early days as a commis was my time at Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle, alongside Chef Benoit Witz. This period was pivotal in my career as it truly sparked my passion for cooking. At the age of 18, I was deeply inspired by the connection to the garden, nature, and the transformation of ingredients. The social atmosphere in the kitchen also played a role in making this experience uniquely human to me, marked by smiles and a commitment to passing on expertise to the teams. Provence, with its tranquil setting and products cultivated in the Abbey’s gardens, became a true haven of peace and discovery for me. There, I learned the importance of treating ingredients well, careful harvesting, and respect for each element in the culinary process.

How do you draw inspiration from your roots in the Savoie region and in what ways do you incorporate its unique flavors and culinary traditions into your creations at Les Airelles?

The rich terroir, snow-capped mountains, and exceptional lakes of the region naturally inspire my cuisine at Les Airelles. The region’s atmosphere, filled with humanity, along with its passionate artisans and talented producers, provides wonderful opportunities for connections and exchanges. It’s crucial for me to incorporate all these elements into my creations, emphasising a love for the product, the handing down of knowledge, and sharing.

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How would you describe your personal philosophy as a chef?

We can summarise this philosophy in three words: authentic, generous, simple. I believe in a cuisine that highlights quality ingredients, prepared with authenticity and generosity. Simplicity is also at the core of my approach because I believe that the best flavors are often found in the purity of ingredients and the precision of culinary techniques.

As Executive Chef at Les Airelles, which dish shouldn’t we miss?

I highly recommend trying Aniello Razzano’s Paccheri with beef cheek, a signature dish from our Italian menu at Les Airelles Courchevel. You’ll be captivated by the tenderness of the beef cheek combined with the delicate texture of Paccheri, all enhanced by authentic Italian flavors—a culinary experience not to be missed.