Alain Senderens launches the great restaurant of the future.

In 2005, Alain Senderens, 3-star Chef at Lucas Carton, calmly gave up his stars and changed his lifestyle. He now has a new restaurant with a new decor, menu, and wine cellar. Lots of things may have changed, but this innovative chef maintains the links he forged with Château Palmer in 2001 when we held our first Harmonies de Palmer dinner.

Alain Senderens' dynamic, contemporary outlook suits the Château Palmer philosophy very well. The superb dinner created by Senderens in 2001 demonstrated the subtle, elegant affinity between his cuisine and Palmer. Alain Senderens is amused to recall a friendly difference of opinion between himself and Bertrand Bouteiller, one of the chateau owners and then manager. Senderens wished to serve Alter Ego 1998, the first vintage of our "other" Palmer wine, as an aperitif. Bertrand Bouteiller was reluctant to take this innovative step. However, the chef's enthusiasm convinced him to try it, so the guests enjoyed 1998 Alter Ego with Barbary duck beureks and crepinette sausage in a red wine and shallot reduction.

This same desire to innovate led him to open his new concept restaurant. He explains it this way: "What started me thinking was the attitude of people in their thirties who love fine food and great wines but are put off by the excessive formality of gourmet restaurants. So I brought in young designers to liven up the decor, simplified my dishes without compromising quality, lightened up the service, and put great wines on my list at affordable prices." The result: success! Alain Senderens has found the magic formula: luxury in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. He has truly launched the great restaurant of the future.

Fine wines are given pride of place in this modern setting. Alain Senderens' menu always features a dish partnered with a carefully selected wine. His cellar has lost none of its quality or breadth. Great wines from top vintages set off the chef's cuisine to perfection, for the mutual delight of gourmets and connoisseurs.

Wines from Château Palmer constitute some of the high points on the wine list. While Senderens is a loyal supporter of 1998 and 1999 Alter Ego, he prefers Château Palmer from the previous decade: 1981 and 1986 are among the stars on the restaurant wine list. In short, Senderens and Palmer continue to offer fine dining experiences together!