UK Edition
Gordon Ramsay wins second Michelin star for his Bordeaux restaurant as he says French have been caught 'sleeping'
For centuries, they have prided themselves on being the crème de la crème of the culinary world.
But the long-running rivalry between French and British cuisine has taken a satisfying twist, after Gordon Ramsay became the first Briton to win two Michelin stars in the country.
The 50-year-old chef today announced he had been awarded his second star for Le Pressoir d’Argent, his fine dining restaurant in Bordeaux.
Opened in the heart of the city by Ramsay just 17 months ago, the restaurant combines British produce with French culinary style. Scallops and langoustine from Scotland often sit alongside Noir de Bigorre ham on the menu, while customers can even ask for a glass of English sparkling wine.
Speaking about winning his second star, Ramsay told The Telegraph the French had been caught “sleeping” and, in recent years, had perhaps been satisfied with resting on their laurels.
“Britons are constantly coming up with new ideas and being innovators,” he said. “The French were there first, but I think this is a great turning point, not just for the cooks."
He added: "I took a lot of s--t when I brought over wines from Kent and venison from Scotland, but the French didn't turn their noses up at it. They are enjoying it. They were going to hang me upside down in the square but they love it so much.
“I just think it is great for Britain to shine in countries where, 10 to 15 years ago, we felt we had no right to be.”
Praising his team, in particular chef de cuisine Gilad Peled, he added: “I am so proud of the incredible team in Bordeaux. It is truly an honour and a testament to the loyalty and dedication of the team.”
Ramsay opened Le Pressoir d’Argent - named 'The Silver Press' after the rare Christofle solid silver lobster press in the centre of the dining room - in September 2015, spurred on by his ambition to win three Michelin stars in the home of haute cuisine.
It was awarded its first star within four months of opening, with experts praising its world-class culinary dishes.
Customers lucky enough to secure a table - the wait is currently up to four weeks on popular nights - can opt for the restaurant's 175 euro tasting menu, which starts with Bazas beef tatar and moves on to lightly smoked Scottish venison, served with sautéed foie gras, before pudding, a luxurious Meyer lemon meringue dish.
Ramsay, who is currently in Los Angeles filming MasterChef Junior, discovered the restaurant had been awarded its second star on Tuesday in a personal phone call from the president of the centuries-old guide.
The news takes the total number of stars he currently holds to seven.
The restaurant, partly known for its mix of bright mauve and orange furniture, and marquetry floor, is situated on the first-floor of the InterContinental Bordeaux.
It is now one of just three in the region that has been awarded the rare double star.
The only other British chef to have won a Michelin star in France is Richard Neat, who received one in 2000 for his restaurant in Cannes. He lost it two years later.