In La Baule, the new restaurant Les Camélias embodies the passion and creativity of a couple who has reinvented French cuisine. Located on a lively street, this establishment has just opened its doors thanks to Stéphanie Grosdoigt and Laurent Chauvin, who bring their experience and vision. Their ambition is clear: to offer warm and accessible gastronomy, where each dish tells a story, blending culinary tradition and innovation.
Who are the creators of the restaurant Les Camélias?
Stéphanie Grosdoigt and Laurent Chauvin, a passionate couple, launched their culinary project with the restaurant Les Camélias in La Baule on January 8, 2025. This new venue quickly caught the attention of food lovers due to its reinterpretation of French dishes, marrying tradition and modernity. Laurent, aged 54, has a wealth of experience, having worked in several starred restaurants in the Paris region, as well as with renowned chefs like Guy Savoy. On her side, Stéphanie, 49, brings a refreshing vision after having worked in diverse sectors, thus strengthening their complementarity in the kitchen and the dining room.
Their meeting two years ago was the catalyst for their project. Spontaneously, the idea of opening a restaurant was born, allowing them to share their love for cooking with diners. The location, a former fish and chips restaurant, has been completely transformed to create a warm atmosphere, welcoming about sixty people during the summer season. The couple has made it their mission to create a place where every customer feels at home, a goal they wish to see realized over time.
What specialties does the restaurant offer?
Les Camélias stands out with a menu that highlights traditional French dishes reinterpreted. Among the favorites are stuffed cabbage and calf’s liver, presented with an innovative approach. This restaurant aims to breathe new life into French gastronomic classics while maintaining a personal touch in each recipe. Stéphanie describes the cuisine as “simple and generous,” reflecting their work philosophy.
The plates are carefully arranged and show a particular attention to detail, both aesthetically and taste-wise. The menu, which changes every two months, aims to surprise regulars while offering a dish of the day each week. Thanks to a direct relationship with local producers, the couple ensures the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, thereby guaranteeing quality and authenticity in their dishes.
How is the management of this establishment organized?
Stéphanie and Laurent have organized the management of the restaurant to optimize their efficiency. While Laurent works in the kitchen, supported by an employee, Stéphanie manages the dining room with additional help. This arrangement allows them to be present at every stage, ensuring quality service and an excellent customer experience. Their synergy is palpable, and their fluid communication fosters a pleasant work atmosphere.
The couple’s ambitions go beyond merely opening a restaurant; they aspire to create a true meeting place for the local community. Les Camélias, with its open kitchen, invites diners to dive into the couple’s culinary world, thus fostering a strong connection with the clientele. To achieve this, they are considering themed evenings and special events that will highlight the region’s flavors and encourage rich exchanges around the dishes offered.
What atmosphere is the couple aiming for?
The atmosphere of Les Camélias is designed to be friendly and warm, aligning with their wish for “everyone to feel at home.” The space, bathed in light, is designed to encourage interactions among diners, creating an ideal setting for meals with family or friends. With a simple yet elegant décor, the restaurant focuses on a welcoming comfort, perfect for casual meals as well as more festive occasions.
- Bright and friendly atmosphere
- Attentive service to every request
- Modular design according to events
- Interaction with customers encouraged
What feedback have customers provided so far?
Since its opening, Les Camélias have received very positive feedback. Customers highlight not only the quality of the dishes but also the warm welcome and pleasant setting. Many visitors have expressed a desire to return, drawn by this urge for delight and authenticity. Regulars are beginning to establish a place for themselves, thus creating beneficial ties with the staff.
Les Camélias are anticipating a continued growth of their clientele thanks to favorable word of mouth and an active presence on social media. Customers also appreciate the couple’s commitment to the local community and the use of local ingredients that strengthen ties with producers. This early success bodes well for the restaurant’s future, which intends to continue in this vein with passion and determination.
The new restaurant Les Camélias in La Baule embodies a daring reinvention of French cuisine, orchestrated by a passionate couple, Stéphanie Grosdoigt and Laurent Chauvin. Their desire to create a space where each customer feels at home translates into a warm welcome and dishes that celebrate both tradition and innovation. By reinterpreting classics of gastronomy, such as stuffed cabbage and calf’s liver, this duo manages to offer a flavorful experience that resonates with their respective backgrounds.
Their distinctive journey, combining gastronomic experience and career change, allows them to offer a constantly evolving menu, incorporating a dish of the day each week. The attention paid to the quality of ingredients and the aesthetics of the dishes underscores their commitment to authentic and generous cuisine. The restaurant also stands out for its friendly atmosphere, encouraging returning patrons who quickly become regulars.
With these choices, Stéphanie and Laurent demonstrate that the passion for French cuisine can be combined with innovation, thus offering La Baule a promising address where the pleasure of taste resonates with human warmth.
