FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Chef Alain Roux, The Balmoral Edinburgh

by Kimberly Inlander

Feb 1, 2019
February 2019

IT’S A FOOD PAIRING you likely won’t experience anywhere else. At Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux at The Balmoral Edinburgh, Executive Chef Alain Roux, in collaboration with his father, Michel Roux, O.B.E., matches the best in Scottish produce with classic French cooking. The seasonally inspired classics include freshly caught seafood, a raw bar, lively light bites and sharing plates.

The collaboration marks a pairing of two families famed in the hospitality industry: Roux and his father with Rocco Forte Hotels. The Balmoral, a landmark in the city, has served as Edinburgh’s most prestigious address for more than a century. It boasts other eateries, including the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant and an award-winning spa.

WHICH DESTINATIONS INSPIRED YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT INSPIRATION TRANSLATED INTO YOUR CULINARY CONCEPTS? I seek inspiration wherever I go. When I arrive in a destination, I love to explore the local ingredients, so a visit to the local market is a must. It’s always been about the beauty of things as well as the taste, for me. California is a chef’s paradise, stretching from farmers’ markets to Chinatown in San Francisco. There is such a rich variety of ingredients. Asia is also a mecca for chefs, and I love to explore the crazy, busy streets and fall in love with a recipe to bring home. I’m obsessed with the simplicity of the flavors and ingredients.

But when it comes to ingredients, Scotland is hard to beat; it is the heart of Great Britain for food. The cold, clean waters of its lochs and seas mean Scotland’s fish and seafood is some of the best in the world. I love the Highland beef, game, wildfowl, venison and the quality, freshness and flavor of the fruits and vegetables.

WHOM DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR CULINARY HERO? Either my dad, Michel, or Uncle Albert … depends who’s listening! I must also credit my mother, Françoise, a naturally gifted cook, and perhaps the family’s most important culinary influence, my maternal grandmother, Germaine. We all grew up on her humble yet delicious recipes.

WHAT ONE PERSON MOST INFLUENCED YOUR COOKING STYLE? It is difficult to choose since I have worked under eight head chefs, mainly in France at some Michelin-starred restaurants. If I have to choose one, it would be Denis Ruffel, chef owner of Pâtisserie Millet in Paris, under whom I served an apprenticeship during the 1980s. Chef Ruffel was an inspiring, generous teacher who guided me through a varied, focused pastry apprenticeship, but he taught me so much more. I accompanied him to the food markets, worked with him on his cookbooks, participated in demonstrations and collaborated on new recipes. We also catered for special events for private customers, so it was an excellent, multifaceted learning ground.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD CITY? I have two equal favorites on opposite sides of the globe: New York and Tokyo. New York is mind-blowing for its sheer diversity. Even fast food and tea shops offer outstanding service and top-quality ingredients; I don’t know how they do it. I love Asian flavors, and I find the best representation in Tokyo, where I love to explore and always discover a new style of dish, restaurant or combination of ingredients. The food is less processed and meals are balanced.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT BIG TREND ON THE FOOD SCENE WILL BE? I sense restaurants serving food sourced from their own kitchen gardens or at least locally will become more popular. The consumer is losing trust in corporate mass production and the damage it is wreaking on our health and environment. It’s about self-respect and wanting to eat food on our doorstep. As a chef, I feel passionate about this and place great importance on building relationships with local suppliers when sourcing grains, meat, fish, organic vegetables, fruit and even dairy products.

THE BALMORAL EDINBURGH

1 Princes St.
Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
United Kingdom
tel 44 131 556 2414
roccofortehotels.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Airlines
Jan 14, 2025

Turkish Airlines Introduces UNESCO Türkiye Series Amenity Kit Collection

Turkish Airlines recently launched a new amenity kit collection, known as the UNESCO Türkiye Series. Inspired by six of Türkiye’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the amenity kit collection allows the airline to bring the country’s cultural treasures to the skies.

Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems

Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.

Daily
Jan 14, 2025

Costa del Sol, Spain, Doesn’t Hold Back for 2025 Travelers

With the arrival of a new year, Costa del Sol invites travelers to explore its culture, gastronomy, sustainability and wellness offerings. For those looking to disconnect from stress, immerse with nature and discover new cultures, this province of Málaga offers plenty of activities to keep up with your 2025 resolutions. Need some convincing?

Daily
Jan 14, 2025

First NH-Branded Hotel Debuts in Bangkok

Minor Hotels, in partnership with Boulevard Hotel Company Limited, opens NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard hotel, the first NH Hotels & Resorts-branded property in Thailand’s capital.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

Daily
Jan 13, 2025

Nader Sculpture Park Opens in Miami’s Design District

The latest addition to Miami Design District is Nader Sculpture Park. Founded by art collector Gary Nader and designed by Bea Pernia of BEA Interiors Design, this park is an open- air collection of more than 50 large-scale sculptures residing within Miami’s celebrated neighborhood of fashion, design, art, architecture and dining. Pernia, distinguished by her knack for blending organic materials into expressions of elegance, also has a studio in the city’s design district.

Daily
Jan 9, 2025

New Spier Hotel Launches This Spring in South Africa’s Western Cape

Lauded for its outstanding wines and regenerative farming practices, Spier Wine Farm in South Africa’s Western Cape region prepares to welcome its first guests to its new hotel this spring, with an opening planned for March. Owned by the Enthoven family, the wine estate is located within a protected area known as Cape Floral Kingdom.

Extraordinary Egypt

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS

Daily
Jan 9, 2025

5 Wellness Journeys to Try at COMO Hotels & Resorts This Year

Jumpstart your 2025 wellness goals and book one (or more!) of COMO Hotels and ResortsCOMO Wellness Journeys, held at properties around the world throughout 2025.