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Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa in Cognac is pleased to announce that its fine-dining restaurant – Les Foudres – has been awarded its first Michelin star.

At Les Foudres Head Chef Marc-Antoine Lepage creates show-stopping seasonal menus using the best local produce: sample dishes include organic farm eggs cooked at low temperature with truffled pecorino cream and organic roasted saddle of lamb from Poitou-Charentes.

Les Foudres is located in the former ageing cellars of the Monnet cooperage, listed as part of France’s industrial heritage and the restaurant pays homage to its industrial past and former function. Guests enter the restaurant through the impressive “Chai Cathédrale” (Cathedral wine cellar), which is almost 9 metres high before entering more intimate dining areas to indulge in multi-course tasting menus and wine pairings. Inviting guests to dine amongst the ancient Cognac barrels in the building’s historic ‘chais’ (cognac cellars), fully immerses guests in the architecture and history of the building – making the hotel and dining experience so unique.

Originally from Brittany, Marc-Antoine Lepage discovered his love of cooking with the Michelin Star chef Philippe Vételé at Anne de Bretagne restaurant in Nantes. Before taking the helm at Les Foudres in Cognac, he worked in prestigious French hotels such as Le Cheval Blanc in St Barths and the K2 Palace in Courchevel.

“It has been a tough year for hospitality and tourism, given the difficulties that Covid-19 has thrown at us, but it is bolstering to have achieved this award whilst we embark on our recovery. A Michelin Star is a very encouraging sign for our team here at Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa, of which I am very proud”, comments Mr. Kader Bendjeddah, Director of Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa.

“Obtaining a star in the Michelin Guide is an international recognition that I am very pleased about, as it crowns three years of work. I would like to thank the Michelin Guide and all those at Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa who are committed to the success of the hotel on a daily basis,” says Mr Javad Marandi, the British owner of the hotel.

The excellent news of Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa’s first Michelin Star further reinforces Cognac’s position on the world culinary map.

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