Yann COUVREUR
Identifiable by his red fox, Yann Couvreur's stores and patisseries are well known in Paris and beyond. A success the young chef hasn't always enjoyed.
The son of booksellers, Yann Couvreur grew up in the Yvelines region of France without much interest in school. It was at the age of 14, during an introductory course in pastry-making, that he found his calling. After obtaining a BEP and a CAP, he began working in various establishments before joining the Trianon Palace in Versailles. " When I left school, I discovered the rigor and codes of the luxury hotel business.
Searching for identity
His career took a turning point in 2006 when he was hired by Alain Dutournier at the Carré des Feuillants in Paris. Problem: the young pastry chef wasn't entirely upfront about his skills. " The beginnings were difficult, but they kept me because I hung in there ".
His desire to discover the world of the hotel industry led him to join Jean-François Foucher's team at the Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme. Two years passed with the man who became his mentor. Then Yann Couvreur took off for the Eden Rock in Saint-Barthélemy. It was the first time he had to create on his own. "I realize that I'm not in the gourmet business, but in the technical demonstration business". A year later, he was slapped in the face again at Lancaster, when Michel Troisgros told him that his creations did not live up to his expectations.
the quest for pleasure
It was Akrame Benallal who put an end to this period of doubt. Thanks to him, the young chef regained his confidence and landed a position at the Burgundy. " On the plane to Paris, I create my menu. I realized that I was in the process of forming my identity, the creative guideline, centered around one thing: the pleasure of the customer ".
In 2013, he was even poached by Stéphanie Le Quellec for the gastronomic restaurant La Scène du Prince de Galles. He stayed there for two years, until setting up his own Atelier Yann Couvreur and opening his first patisserie in Paris's 10th arrondissement. Success followed in Paris, Miami and Dubai.
