lifestyle and culture

Life

by Camille Macawili
25 seconds ago

The legendary French dining destination, Le Relais de L’Entrecôte, makes its Dubai debut at ME Dubai, in partnership with Addmind Hospitality, which joins the lineage of Le Relais de L’Entrecôte restaurants in Geneva, Zurich, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.
You can’t go to Paris and not visit Le Relais de L’Entrecôte – a beloved Parisian bistro renowned for its single-course menu featuring the signature steak served with a secret sauce (with a recipe only known to a select few) and crispy, golden shoestring fries. Over 65 years, the family-owned iconic culinary institution has kept the standards high and their secret steak sauce a tight secret. This level of culinary excellence has made the restaurant a beacon of tradition, family, and the art of French dining.
Stepping inside the Dubai outpost feels almost like you’re in Paris. Designed in line with the Parisian outlets, the interiors are adorned with wooden panelling, colourful tablecloths, and vintage posters – which, if you squint hard enough, transports you to Paris for a quick second. While famous for the entrecôte steak and fries, Le Relais de L’Entrecôte is also a dessert haven with a variety of homemade treats to gratify sweet cravings.
Here, Louis Fresnel, great-grandson of the founder of Le Relais de L’Entrecôte speaks to Emirates Woman on expanding the legacy while remaining a symbol of unparalleled tradition and excellence.
Can you share more about the history and concept behind Le Relais de l’Entrecôte and how it evolved as a family-owned business?
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte began in 1959 with my great-grandfather, Paul Gineste de Saurs, a winemaker who sought to share the fruits of his labor in a meaningful way. He envisioned a space where his wines could shine alongside a simple, perfectly crafted dish, creating an experience that was both authentic and unforgettable. Inspired by his passion for good food, wine and quality, my grandmother, Marie-Paule, brought this vision to life by establishing the restaurant. Over the years, this concept has stayed true to its roots, combining tradition, excellence, and family values to create a dining experience that has become beloved by guests from all over the world.

How has the restaurant and its famous recipe legacy evolved over the years?
The heart of Le Relais de l’Entrecôte lies in its timeless recipe, which has remained untouched since the very beginning. What has evolved over the years is how we share this experience with our guests—adapting to new settings and cultures while staying true to the essence of the original concept. Every plate served reflects the same dedication to quality and authenticity that has defined us for decades.

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte has been known for legendary steak-fries since 1959. How did you maintain this high level of quality over the years?
Consistency is the key to our success. We’ve stayed true to our traditional methods, not only by preserving our original recipe but also by using the finest and freshest ingredients. Each element of our signature dish, from the tender steak to the crispy golden fries and our secret sauce, is crafted with the utmost care and precision. Beyond the ingredients, our team plays a vital role in maintaining our legacy. Every member is trained to uphold the same high standards, ensuring that every dish delivers the same memorable experience our guests expect.
The restaurant has a straightforward menu. Was this the idea from the outset?
Yes, the simplicity of our menu has always been central to our concept. By focusing on one dish and perfecting every detail, we create a dining experience that feels effortless but is rooted in precision and care.
What attributes do you think contributed to its ongoing success?
Our authenticity and consistency have been the foundation of our success. Guests value the trust they can place in us, knowing that every visit will deliver the same high-quality food, warm hospitality, and timeless dining experience, no matter which location they choose. The simplicity of our concept (focusing on perfecting one iconic dish) has also played a significant role. By staying true to our roots and preserving our original recipe, we’ve built a sense of tradition that resonates with diners seeking authentic experiences and flavours.
What led to the scaling in the Middle East, and how do you approach maintaining its unique identity and scaling without compromising quality?
The Middle East is a region with a deep appreciation for tradition and fine dining, making it a natural choice for expansion. Additionally, the vibrant dining scene and demand for unique culinary experiences presented an exciting opportunity to introduce our time-honoured concept to a new audience. We approach each new location with the same care and attention as the original – ensuring the quality, ambiance, and experience remain consistent. From the sourcing of the finest ingredients to the training of our staff, every element is carefully managed to ensure the same level of quality that our guests expect. We also recognize the importance of honouring the local culture. While we stay true to the essence of Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, we adapt aspects of our approach to align with the traditions and preferences of the region.

The atmosphere exudes a truly Parisian experience with classic French decor. What dining experience can one expect in the Dubai outpost?
In Dubai, guests will find the same Parisian charm that defines Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. Adorned with wood panelling, colorful tablecloths, vintage posters, and vibrant bouquets of seasonal flowers, the Dubai location mirrors the design elements of our Paris establishment. Adding to this authenticity is the handwritten menu, a cherished tradition that reflects the personal touch and timeless appeal of Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. Beyond the ambiance, we’ve ensured that the warm and attentive service mirrors the hospitality of our original locations where guests are greeted with the same welcoming spirit.
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