Rumours began last month that chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier was departing Le Normandie, the restaurant that he had driven to two Michelin-star success in 2017.
The Savoy-born chef joined the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok in 2012 as chef de cuisine of the hotel's legendary French fine dining restaurant.
With a high-profile background and dexterity in contemporary Gallic cuisine, Dunand Sauthier led his all-Thai crew to stellar glory from the very first year of its Michelin Guide Bangkok debut.
Le Normandie was one of only three establishments in the city awarded two stars in the inaugural edition of the book.
Under his helm, the restaurant, celebrated for his signature creations such as French caviar with sea urchin roe, potato and Champagne sauce and roasted pigeon with endive, pear and cocoa, has retained the two stars -- the highest rating awarded to restaurants in Thailand -- over the past four years.
Unfortunately, Aug 31 was the last day Dunand Sauthier was with the Mandarin Oriental.
The star-studded cooking master is now developing his own fine dining project, Maison Dunand, which will open in spring 2022.
"I had spent nine splendid years at Le Normandie, had a lot of experience and two Michelin stars," he said.
"I am and will always be thankful to everyone at the Mandarin Oriental but I believe it was time to move on for more personal ventures."
His new cooking atelier will be set in a beautiful revamped house in the Sathon area. The cuisine will be based on classic French techniques and pay tribute to the culinary finesse of his Alpine home. However, according to him, dishes will feature curious twists, recipes and flavours inspired by his travels.
For those who miss his cooking, Dunand Sauthier is taking over the space of Gaggan Anand restaurant on Sukhumvit 31 for a pop-up project dubbed "Maison Dunand @ Residence".
There, epicureans will be able to try Dunand Sauthier's new creations as well as his all-time popular signatures including the caviar potato and uni.
The pop-up service will operate for lunch and dinner, Thursday to Monday from Oct 8 until Jan 15. Prices range from 2,200 baht per person for a four-course lunch to 6,900 baht per person for a nine-course dinner.
For more information or reservations, call 098-883-1033 or Line: maisondunandbkk.
