Benoit FONTORBE

  • Christian Constant is not only a remarkable chef, he's also a remarkable man. He belongs to that rare species – a recognized artisan loved and respected by those he has trained. He inspires affection. He commands respect.

    All began in Montauban. Taken on as an apprentice in his hometown, he was already dreaming of one day having his own restaurant. 30 years later, that dream was realized when he opened the doors of "Le Violon d'Ingres" (1 star) at 135 rue Saint Dominique in the 7th district of Paris, then, "Les Cocottes" and "Café Constant" in the same street. June 2012 saw the opening of "Le Bibent" in Toulouse and "Le Bistrot Constant" in Montech.

  • But it was years of hard craft, dedication to his cooking and a dash of luck which brought him his well-deserved success. He worked at Ledoyen restaurant. He spent 7 years as Chef de Cuisine at The Ritz followed by 8 years as Executive Chef at The Hotel de Crillon. Then, he decided it was time to branch out on his own.

    Christian Constant's burning ambition to create a deluxe but informal brasserie drove him to open the one-starred Le Violon d'Ingres. Les Cocottes and Le Café Constant followed through the magical combination of hard work and being in the right place at the right time, whilst each restaurant has it's very own unique identity, all offer fresh and delicious food at down to earth prices.

  • Christian Constant is also recognized as a true "formateur" since talented young Chefs worked under his guidance : Eric Fréchon (3 stars), Emmanuel Renaut (3 stars), Jean-François Rouquette (1 star), Yves Camdeborde, Christian Etchebest, Thierry Faucher, Thierry Breton...