L'Essentiel

This contemporary bistro is the HQ of Frenchman Charles Thuillant and Korean Mi-Ra Kim. This globetrotting couple, who met in Ze Kitchen Gallery, a mecca of French-Asian cuisine, also have stints at Robuchon, L'Épi Dupin and Le Chateaubriand under their apron strings. But it was ultimately in Deauville, where Charles spent his holidays as a child, that they opened their own restaurant. Together, they conjure up vibrant, lively dishes in which Normandy country produce is allied with perfectly judged Asian influences, for example marinated fish, lime, Thai curry emulsion; octopus, coco de Paimpol beans, mango vinegar; nodi marini pasta, oysters, wakame, crunchy vegetables; or Simmental beef, roast seasonal vegetables, samsang jus.