Michelin-starred chef to helm Orient Express dining
Acclaimed French chef Yannick Alléno has been appointed executive chef of the Orient Express train and sailing yacht Orient Express Corinthian. Olivia Palamountain reports
Yannick Alléno, who holds three Michelin stars and transformed Paris's Pavillon Ledoyen into the world's most starred independent restaurant, will oversee dining across two restaurant cars on the train and five venues aboard the Corinthian, including his signature La Table de l'Orient Express.
"Orient Express embodies travel in its noblest essence," says Alléno. "Each menu, each plate, is an invitation to discover my personal interpretation of culinary heritages from around the world, and of course from France, for an extraordinary experience aboard the legendary Orient Express."
The appointment comes as Orient Express expands its luxury travel portfolio. The brand will launch its first hotels in Rome and Venice (2024 and 2025), followed by the La Dolce Vita train service in 2025 and the Orient Express Corinthian sailing yacht in 2026.
The futuristic yacht will the world's largest sailing ship at 220 metres long; it will house 54 suites measuring an average of 70 sqm each. There will also be an 885 sqm Presidential suite that comes with its own 530 sqm private terrace, as well as two onboard swimming pools, two restaurants and a speakeasy-style bar.
Described as "revolution in maritime history", Corinthian is the result of a partnership between French hospitality company Accor (of which Orient Express is part) and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, a leading shipbuilding company.
The launch is an interesting example of how a rising number of top hotel brands are branching out into sailing - for example, both Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton are unveiling their own branded yachts. Aman also has its own yachts with a new one coming in 2025.
Alléno's menus will draw inspiration from destinations along the routes, combining traditional French techniques with modern innovation. His Yannick Alléno Group currently operates 17 establishments worldwide, holding 15 Michelin stars collectively.
Accor Group CEO Sébastien Bazin explains: "This collaboration reflects Orient Express's ambition to surround itself with the greatest talents. Chef Alléno brings not only his creativity and keen sense of innovation but also a philosophy of gastronomy that he will share in different ways, so that each restaurant has its own identity."
