Gwyneth’s Favorite Female Chef

Hl¨ne Darroze, runs the chic eatery in her name at London’s posh Connaught hotel, has been awarded a second Michelin star making her the only female chef in the UK with two of the coveted toiles under her toque. Gwyneth Paltrow, who lived at the Connaught for a month and was a regular visitor to the restaurant while renovating her house in London, is one of Darroze’s biggest fans, Reinforcing the legendary Mayfair hotel’s 114 year old legacy of fine dining, Darroze, a proteg of Alain Ducasse, has established a loyal following among other notables and gourmets as well with traditional dishes from her native Southwest France.

Darroze’s honor further establishes The Connaught as offering one of London’s premier culinary experiences and elevates the Maybourne Hotel Group legacy of fine dining, which also includes Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, Koffmann’s, Pierre Koffmann’s new restaurant at The Berkeley and Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s. Hl¨ne Darroze at The Connaught opened in July 2008 and was awarded its first Michelin star only six months later. Signature dishes include a “Fines de Claire” oyster tartare with caviar from Sologne and a chilled velout of white beans from Barn. Designed by India Mahdavi, the restaurant is warm and inviting, designed to be at once grand and intimate.