Gaddi’s Appoints the First Female Chef de Cuisine in 70 Years

The Peninsula Hong Kong announces the appointment of Chef Anne-Sophie Nicolas as the first female Chef de Cuisine at Gaddi’s, the hotel’s renowned Michelin-starred French restaurant. Effective May 28, 2024, Chef Anne-Sophie’s appointment marks a historic milestone for the legendary dining establishment as it continues to elevate its gastronomic offerings.

Michelin-starred French Fine Dining Restaurant, Gaddi’s

With over 15 years of experience working in some of Paris’ most elite Michelin-starred kitchens, Chef Anne-Sophie takes over from Chef Albin Gobil, who was promoted to Executive Sous Chef at The Peninsula Hong Kong in 2023. Chef Anne-Sophie’s distinguished career includes time spent mastering her craft at Espadon at The Ritz Paris, Restaurant le Meurice Yannick Alleno, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile, and Restaurant Guy Savoy. Her most recent role was as Chef de Cuisine at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Hong Kong, where she successfully led the team to create unforgettable Michelin-starred dining experiences.

Anne-Sophie will now lead the talented team at Gaddi’s, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary and has maintained a Michelin star for five consecutive years. Her vision for Gaddi’s blends classic French culinary heritage with the finest ingredients from around the world, all while pushing the boundaries of fine dining.

“We are thrilled to welcome Anne-Sophie as the first female chef to take the helm at Gaddi’s, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic fine dining landmarks,” said Joseph Chong, Regional Executive Vice President, Asia, and Managing Director of The Peninsula Hong Kong. “Her impressive culinary expertise and leadership will further build on Gaddi’s legacy of excellence.”

Chef Anne-Sophie expressed her excitement for the new role: “I am delighted to join Gaddi’s, a restaurant known for its remarkable French cuisine. My goal is to create exceptional dining experiences for our guests by combining my French culinary roots with premium ingredients sourced locally and globally. As an artist at heart, I love crafting dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.”

New Creations at Gaddi’sChef Anne-Sophie has introduced a number of exciting new dishes to Gaddi’s menu, each showcasing her refined techniques and innovative approach to French gastronomy. Highlights include:

King Crab and Provencal Heirloom Tomato Tart with a Sherry Vinegar Sauce

• King Crab Tart with Provencal Heirloom Tomatoes and Sherry Vinegar Sauce – A beautifully layered tart featuring tomato tartare, king crab mayonnaise, and a variety of heirloom tomatoes dressed with tomato-sherry vinegar.

Pan-Seared Norwegian Langoustine with Perseus N°2 Superior Oscietra Caviar, Zucchinis, Turmeric and Bisque

• Pan-Seared Norwegian Langoustine with Perseus N°2 Superior Oscietra Caviar, Zucchinis, Turmeric, and Bisque – A flavorful dish of Norwegian langoustines paired with a rich shellfish bisque, zucchini, and a hint of turmeric.

For mains, guests can indulge in dishes such as:

• Crispy Scales Amadai with Vegetables Medley, Fish Soup, and Saffron Mayonnaise – Locally sourced Amadai fish served with fennel, carrot, tomato, and a saffron-accented rouille sauce.

• French Suckling Pig in Various Ways with Carrots, Potatoes, Cabbage, and Meaux Mustard – A modern take on suckling pig, featuring slow-cooked French baby pig alongside pork cutlets, saddle rolls, and crispy pork skin.

Japanese Kagoshima A4 Wagyu Sirloin with French Fries and Choron Sauce

• Japanese Kagoshima A4 Wagyu Sirloin with French Fries and Choron Sauce – A premium cut of Wagyu sirloin accompanied by crispy French fries and a béarnaise-based Choron sauce.

In her new role, Chef Anne-Sophie works closely with Gaddi’s Restaurant Manager, Mathieu De Matteis, and Chef Sommelier, Marc Le Gallic, who oversees the restaurant’s prestigious wine collection. With over 700 labels, Gaddi’s wine cellar is one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated, featuring rare vintages like the Vosne Romanée 1953, the same year the restaurant opened.

Guests at Gaddi’s can expect not only exceptional cuisine but also an elegant dining experience steeped in the refined traditions of French fine dining, enhanced by Chef Anne-Sophie’s creative and meticulous approach to culinary art.

[Cover image via The Peninsula Hong Kong/The Peninsula Hong Kong is proud to introduce Chef Anne-Sophie Nicolas as the new, and first female, Chef de Cuisine of Gaddi’s]