In Collaboration With
For chef Nicolas Boutin of Michelin-star restaurant Épure, life is about taking the simple things and making them shine—whether it's using beautiful ingredients in his restaurant, finding fun and humour in every situation or enjoying a lazy day at home.
Tell us a bit about you and what you do.
I have been in the industry for 33 years, first learning the fundamentals of French cuisine in some great restaurants in France. I then began to travel the world, starting with Ireland where I learned English and had the opportunity to open my own cafe and boutique business before moving into the luxury hotel industry.
This took me from the Caribbean to Hong Kong, Boston, Maldives and then French Polynesia before finally coming back to Hong Kong to open Épure.
What are you most passionate about?
Obviously food. I started cooking as a job but became passionate about it after a while. When I have time off, I like to travel to keep learning and to experience local cuisines around the world.
What makes you smile?
As work is intense, I try to make everything fun—even the little things—so that I and those around me can smile as much as possible
Someone you look up to?
Coluche. He was a pragmatic French comedian and actor who was famous for his irreverent sense of humour.
The one thing you can’t live without?
The lemon. It can lighten a dish, cut through richness and add distinctive brightness.
On the flip side, what is one thing you could do or have less of in order to improve your life?
Trying to balance between my work and private life
How do you find balance in busy Hong Kong?
The beauty is that most things in Hong Kong are very organised and easy to do including administration, transport etc..which makes it easy for you to find time to find your own "cocoon".
What are some of your self-care rituals (when it comes to beauty & skincare)?
I might not be an expert in skincare products, but I believe in "you are what you eat". A balanced diet will result in good health and good skin. I know that collagen intake can replenish the collagen we naturally lose as we age, and keep our skin bouncy to maintain a youthful complexion.
