Chef Amélie Darvas will open her new restaurant, Âme, in Beaulieu, France, on July 16. The 36-year-old chef, formerly of the Michelin-starred Äponem in Vailhan, is launching the 12-cover venue alongside associate Bérengère Bouton. The move marks a return to culinary roots for Darvas, who previously left Paris following the 2015 Bataclan terror attacks.
The Evolution of a Culinary Identity
Amélie Darvas’s career began early, with training under industry veterans including Hélène Darroze, Éric Frechon, and Yannick Alleno. In 2013, she opened her first restaurant, Haï Kaï, near the canal Saint-Martin in Paris. The venture saw immediate success until the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks.
Darvas recalls the night of the attacks, noting that her restaurant was located just 300 meters from Le Petit Cambodge. According to her account provided to Midi Libre, the staff sheltered people in the restaurant’s basement until 4 a.m. as the violence unfolded nearby. The trauma of the event led Darvas to close Haï Kaï within six months.
Amélie Darvas is known for a spontaneous cooking style. She often works barefoot in the kitchen, a practice she describes as being “anchored in the ground,” focusing on seasonal vegetables and local ingredients rather than rigid, long-term recipe testing.
From Urban Success to Rural Michelin Recognition
Following her departure from Paris, Darvas relocated to the Hérault region. In 2018, she opened Äponem in the village of Vailhan. The restaurant achieved rapid acclaim, earning a Michelin star within six months of operation. Darvas notes that the restaurant attracted a diverse international clientele, drawing diners from Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, and Sweden to the remote Biterrois location.
The Launch of Âme in Beaulieu
The upcoming opening of Âme, located at 3 avenue du Stade in Beaulieu, represents a third chapter in Darvas’s career. The 110-square-meter space will operate from Thursday through Monday, offering a fixed “mystery” menu priced at 115 euros. The project is a partnership with Bérengère Bouton.
The design features visible kitchen facilities, allowing diners to observe the preparation process. This transparency is central to Darvas’s vision of a “sincere” and “spontaneous” dining experience. While the restaurant will utilize produce from a nearby garden, the menu remains flexible, moving beyond strictly vegetarian offerings to include poultry and fish.
When booking at high-concept, low-capacity venues like Âme, check for seasonal menu updates via the restaurant’s official website, www.restaurant-ame.fr, as spontaneous kitchen philosophies often result in daily ingredient shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the new restaurant Âme located?
Âme is located at 3 avenue du Stade in the village of Beaulieu, situated between the Hérault and Gard departments, approximately 30 minutes from Montpellier. - What is the capacity of the new restaurant?
The restaurant offers 12 covers, providing an intimate dining experience. - What is the price of the menu at Âme?
The restaurant features a single “mystery” menu priced at 115 euros. - What are the operating hours for Âme?
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Monday.
Have you visited any of Amélie Darvas’s previous culinary projects? Share your thoughts on the evolution of rural fine dining in the comments below.
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