The cheese souffle has been on part of French culinary history for hundreds of years. It’s a classic combination of cheese, flour, milk and eggs delicately prepared to create a fluffy texture. This comforting dish has seen interpretations across generations, nations and of course, MICHELIN-starred restaurants.
Acclaimed French chef Yannick Alleno is certainly one known for his mastery of many classic French dishes, the cheese souffle being one of them. Found on menus in his many restaurants, the cheese souffle is a signature dish that finds itself in his two MICHELIN star Dubai outpost, STAY by Yannick Alleno.
There, the chef revisits the classic dish in his own way without compromising on the comforting features associated with it. In this article, we take a closer look at how his version came about.
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An Alleno Cheese Souffle
Whenever he creates any dish, chef Yannick’s main inspiration comes from an ingredient he loves. “It's what guides me,” he explains, “how to sublimate and enhance it. In all my dishes, taste comes first.” The conception of the cheese souffle is no different, in this case its celery takes centre stage. The French chef credits its powerful aroma and uses a celery extraction to incorporate it in the dish, but stresses on using the correct portions in order not to overwhelm the plate.
At STAY by Yannick Alleno, the dish is served as an appetizer and is further refined with a classic Albufera sauce and topped with two crunchy foie gras pieces. “It's a fairly simple dish in appearance, but it's quite technical in the way it's cooked,” he explains. Its light and fluffy composition allows those who try it to ease into the rest of the meal.
The secret behind perfecting the complicated dish? “All ingredients must at the same temperature, and care must be taken not to overbeat the egg whites.”
Why so signature?
A globally renowned chef is of course akin to many signature dishes, but for chef Yannick, his beliefs are slightly different. “I don't like to talk about signature dishes, because I think they freeze the creation,” he says, “but it’s a dish that I love, it's both tasty and comforting!” The dish is reminiscent of French cuisine’s rich history. “It takes us back to the origins of the French restaurant,” he goes on to say.
At the two MICHELIN star restaurant, the dish is precisely crafted to portray the beauty and delicacy of the much-loved traditional souffle – it is refined in flavour, appearance and ingredients, but does not lose the feeling of warmth and comfort.
It’s safe to say that the cheese souffle is a favourite amongst many, French and beyond. Why is it so popular at the restaurant? “The delicacy and beauty of a well-made soufflé!” chef Yannick exclaims and goes on to describe that it’s because of the dish’s gourmet, comforting and traditional features that make it a staple on his menu.
And there you have it! An inside look into the ever-so loved and nostalgic dish. Head over to STAY by Yannick Alleno or to his many restaurants around the world to give it a try!
