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Jean-George
Jean-George
POINT OF VIEWS
POINT OF VIEWS
Jean Georges Vongerichten is one of the
most successful and well known chefs
around the globe, so much so that all one
need say is,“ Jean Georges ” and it is clear
to whom they are referring. From his
groundbreaking restaurants in New York in
the 1990s that set the tone for a new kind
of restaurant craze—including smartly
designed interiors that made people feel
privileged to be there—and which put the
term celebrity chef into motion—to his
now global empire of top restaurants in
cities from Shanghai to Beverly Hills, Jean
Georges continues to break new culinary
boundaries and create innovative,
consistently delicious food with fantastic
style, for people around the globe.
Would you talk about your experience of
working with Neri&Hu and Stellar Works,
and how their design met your vision for
Jean-Georges? How did this relationship
get started?
Jean Georges Vongerichten: We first met
during the initial design phase of Three
on the Bund when Lyndon was work-
ing for Michael Graves. Since then we
have collaborated on many projects to-
gether including the new Jean-Georges
renovation.
In your role as a chef and restaurateur —
how important is the environment in which
your food is presented? How do you see
this connection between concept, space
and the pieces within it?
JG: Very important. The furniture, the
lighting, the entire atmosphere is just as
important as the cuisine I serve.
Regarding the bespoke and signature
collection pieces in Mercato—is there a
certain piece or collection in the restau-
rant that stands out to you or that you
particularly admire…and why?
JG: I love the industrial look of the space.
The use of the various materials – glass,
wood, tile, steel – it really gives the space
character. The chairs and lounge furniture
allow guest to get comfortable while dining
at Mercato.
What is your perception of Shanghai as
a megacity compared to say London or
New York?
JG: I would put it on par with both of those
cities.
5-8 — Jean Georges Restaurant, Three on
the Bund, Shanghai
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