Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/53193
HOT PROPERTY Pasadena's Prestigious Pair T alk about a great pairing. It cannot be a coincidence that famed French chef David Féau and longtime sommelier Eric Espuny once again ended up working together at The Royce in Pasadena's top luxury hotel, The Langham. At the turn of the millennium, the two worked at New York's fabled Lutèce, which closed in 2004. They met up again when Féau became Corporate Executive Chef of Patina Restaurants on the West Coast and Espuny took the role of Corporate Sommelier for the Patina Group, headquartered in Los Angeles. Now, backed by the support of a privately owned property, the two superstars are in the midst of a renewed culinary and vinous adven- ture. Last year's remodel of The Royce, The Langham's grande dame restaurant, in an elegant white-on-white motif, transformed its traditional dining room into a haven of modern posh. Espuny's talent in managing a dining room and selecting a globally inspired wine list is complemented in his professional repertoire by his expertise as a Master of Ceremonies. He also designed the separate wine room for his edgy whites and reds at the entrance of the restaurant. Although Espuny is seen by patrons as the personality of The Royce, he considers himself an extension of the chef. "We are not merely academic here," he insists, "but we do showcase service as an art. There are rules to be respected— from greeting customers to serving coffee." —Meridith May Eric Espuny, Manager/Sommelier at The Royce in Pasadena, CA. LONGTIME COLLEAGUES ERIC ESPUNY AND DAVID FÉAU ARE ON-PREMISE ROYALTY AT THE ROYCE Chef de Cuisine: David Féau "If I understand an ingredient, I work with it, respect it and develop its intensity," says Chef David Féau. A fan of vegetables, Féau seeks out the season's freshest roots, including turnips and beets, for his winter menu. A practicing artist whose medium is oil painting, the 40-year-old French chef designs his plates with that same intent: frame-able food. 120 / the tasting panel / january/february 2012 PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE LANGHAM HOTEL PHOTO: CECILIA LOSCHIN PHOTO: CECILIA LOSCHIN