If you’d like to find out more about our restaurant, let us introduce you to Dominique Giraudeau! The emblematic figure of the Grand Cerf, this Michelin-starred chef has devoted his life to his passion: traditional cuisine. Well-known in the region thanks to his gastronomic restaurant located between Reims and Épernay (Villers-Allerand), he works every day with quality products from the French tradition to create refined dishes. Find out more about Dominique Giraudeau, a gourmet chef with a passion for cooking!
Learning to cook from an early age
Mr Giraudeau understood the importance of fresh, local produce from an early age, thanks to his father, and he soon developed a real passion for cooking. He soon began studying cooking. In 1972, he enrolled at the Lycée Jean Drouant, the first hotel school in Paris. Founded in 1936, this benchmark school provides comprehensive, professionally-oriented training in the various hotel and restaurant trades. The wheels were set in motion and Dominique Giraudeau’s career continued to grow thanks to his experience in a variety of establishments.
Dominique Giraudeau’s career: from star to star
Since 1975, Mr Giraudeau’s life has been punctuated by a constant desire to learn, with the aim of offering ever more elaborate dishes. To enhance his skills and techniques, he joined several Michelin-starred restaurants across France. He joined the brigades at Hostellerie de la Poste in Avallon (89), Chiberta in Paris (75) and L’Oasis in Mandelieu-La-Napoule (06). At the time, this establishment was run by the famous chef Louis Outhier, who was awarded three Michelin stars.
For 3 years (1980-1983), he apprenticed with a big name in the restaurant business: Gérard Boyer, also a three-star chef. Mr Giraudeau was his second in command at the Domaine Les Crayères in Reims (51). This experience only strengthened his passion for noble products and well-crafted dishes. This love of refined dishes is particularly evident in his menu dedicated to truffles. Following this great experience, Dominique Giraudeau’s career then continued at the restaurant Le Chardonnay (51) for almost 10 years. It was during this time that he was awarded his first Michelin star. He went on to win his first Michelin star as a gourmet chef, a distinction that he has kept ever since through his current gourmet restaurant, Le Grand Cerf.
Le Grand Cerf: a consecration
In 1992, the dream continued for Dominique Giraudeau. At the age of 36, he took charge of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Villers-Allerand: Le Grand Cerf. He has brilliantly kept the restaurant’s star for over 30 years. This benchmark establishment welcomes its customers in a soothing, refined setting for a moment of culinary art. Partnered since 1998 with Pascal Champion, this gastronomic duo offers you traditional dishes revisited with brio for a unique tasting experience.
Surrounded by a whole team of enthusiasts as well as his family with Brigitte his wife and Lucie his daughter, Dominique is keen to satisfy his customers and does his utmost to meet every request. Would you like to find out more about the history of Le Grand Cerf? Would you like to book a table in our gourmet restaurant near Reims? Contact our team today!
