The passionate Frenchman behind Chez Papé French Bistro
FOR more than three years in a small sub-soi of Sukhumvit Soi 11, Chez Papé French Bistro has been delivering a little piece of France in the heart of Bangkok to a loyal following of both expats and Thai residents, along with the always present and inquisitive tourists eager to take in its relaxed atmosphere, traditional French cuisine and friendly service. At the forefront of Chez Papé’s operations is the owner, Pierre Loïc Brun, who is always available to welcome guests and offer recommendations on both the menu and extensive wine list. Originally from Lyon, the home of French gastronomy, Pierre brings to Chez Papé a wealth of experience in the food and beverage industry and a dedication to providing authentic, home-style food from every French region and cooked just like his grandmother used to make – all within a classic French Bistro setting. |
How long have you lived in Thailand?
I first arrived in Thailand 24 years ago on vacation and enjoyed it so much I knew I had to return. Eight years later, I achieved that aim, and have been living and working in Thailand for 16 years now. I ran my own resort on Koh Lanta before moving to Bangkok to open Chez Papé.
What was the inspiration behind Chez Papé?
For a long time, my business partner, Franck, and I had wanted to open an authentic French Bistro in Bangkok because we had never found a place we considered to be traditional and just like the places we used to hang out in when we were in France.
What makes Chez Papé stand out?
Authenticity throughout all aspects of the Bistro – from the classical menu, the Parisian-style outdoor terrace, the archetypical black and white floor tiles, the French artifacts and photographs of French icons that hang on the walls, and the separate bar area that allows people to visit us and just have a drink.
What are your signature dishes?
Warm Saint Marcellin French Cheese with Salad; Eggplant Caviar and Smoked Salmon Wrap; Quenelle Lyonnais (a classic French fish dumpling dish); Braised Lamb Shank; Roasted Camembert; and all of our yummy homemade desserts!
What is your philosophy on sourcing ingredients?
Obtaining the best quality ingredients to achieve truly authentic French dishes. We will buy local products if we can find them at the right quality, but some things must be imported from France to achieve our objective.
What are your passions outside of the restaurant?
I am a passionate supporter of Olympic Lyonnais and French rugby (and hope the Ligue 1 title will return home to Lyon this season!), play a little golf when time permits and I love enjoying good wine.
What has been your best moment as owner of Chez Papé?
There are two moments. The first, our very first Bastille Day party which started off quiet but soon became lively as guests enjoyed our festive atmosphere and joined together to have a fantastic time – thank you Mr Ricard!
Second was when the team from the Iron Chef Thailand TV programme arrived unannounced at the Bistro. We were a little stressed and worried because they stayed so long and ordered many dishes, but at the end of the evening they told us they had thoroughly enjoyed the food, which made us very happy. Praise from peers within the industry and moments like this convince us we are achieving our aims.
Chez Papé French Bistro, Sukhumvit Soi 11
Tel: 02 255 2492 www.chezpape.co
I first arrived in Thailand 24 years ago on vacation and enjoyed it so much I knew I had to return. Eight years later, I achieved that aim, and have been living and working in Thailand for 16 years now. I ran my own resort on Koh Lanta before moving to Bangkok to open Chez Papé.
What was the inspiration behind Chez Papé?
For a long time, my business partner, Franck, and I had wanted to open an authentic French Bistro in Bangkok because we had never found a place we considered to be traditional and just like the places we used to hang out in when we were in France.
What makes Chez Papé stand out?
Authenticity throughout all aspects of the Bistro – from the classical menu, the Parisian-style outdoor terrace, the archetypical black and white floor tiles, the French artifacts and photographs of French icons that hang on the walls, and the separate bar area that allows people to visit us and just have a drink.
What are your signature dishes?
Warm Saint Marcellin French Cheese with Salad; Eggplant Caviar and Smoked Salmon Wrap; Quenelle Lyonnais (a classic French fish dumpling dish); Braised Lamb Shank; Roasted Camembert; and all of our yummy homemade desserts!
What is your philosophy on sourcing ingredients?
Obtaining the best quality ingredients to achieve truly authentic French dishes. We will buy local products if we can find them at the right quality, but some things must be imported from France to achieve our objective.
What are your passions outside of the restaurant?
I am a passionate supporter of Olympic Lyonnais and French rugby (and hope the Ligue 1 title will return home to Lyon this season!), play a little golf when time permits and I love enjoying good wine.
What has been your best moment as owner of Chez Papé?
There are two moments. The first, our very first Bastille Day party which started off quiet but soon became lively as guests enjoyed our festive atmosphere and joined together to have a fantastic time – thank you Mr Ricard!
Second was when the team from the Iron Chef Thailand TV programme arrived unannounced at the Bistro. We were a little stressed and worried because they stayed so long and ordered many dishes, but at the end of the evening they told us they had thoroughly enjoyed the food, which made us very happy. Praise from peers within the industry and moments like this convince us we are achieving our aims.
Chez Papé French Bistro, Sukhumvit Soi 11
Tel: 02 255 2492 www.chezpape.co