What makes this project at Hotel Le Gray special for you?

This is a very unique project. I met the Abchi family, who are incredibly kind and hardworking. We share the same mission and vision. For a long time, I wanted to come back to Lebanon, but I was waiting for the right project, one that truly meant something. Here at Le Gray, I’m not just opening a restaurant; I’m taking care of the entire food experience: from breakfast and room service to the lounge and restaurants. It’s important to me that the food isn’t only for hotel guests or tourists. It must also appeal to the Lebanese people of Beirut. It’s not about being “five-star” or “luxury,”it’s about creating meals people genuinely enjoy.

How do you see your role in this project?

For me, this is not just another consulting job. It’s about giving everything from the heart, for Lebanon. I’ve been working on it for 4–5 months intensively, but in reality, it’s a dream that has been building for years. My mission is to carry the Lebanese flag wherever I go, whether in France, in Europe, or now back in Beirut.

What can guests expect from the “new” Le Gray compared to before?

Le Gray has been open for 15 years and has always had a great reputation. We’re not changing the essence, but we’re giving it a second breath, more modern, more contemporary, and of course, more gourmet. The foundations remain, but with a refreshed vision. I’m honored they trusted me with this.

Was it difficult to decide to come back and work in Lebanon?

Honestly, yes. For many Lebanese abroad, there is always a longing to return home. We carry Lebanon in our hearts, even if we succeed elsewhere. But it’s not an easy decision, it’s emotional. I feel that something has always been missing, and that “something” is Lebanon. This project gave me the chance, with the support of the Abchi and Le Gray, to finally take that step. Cooking in Beirut, in such a beautiful place, feels like destiny.