La Reine Jane, a culinary escape in the colors of Greece
At the port de l’Ayguade, La Reine Jane stands out for its unique atmosphere and its bold gastronomic offerings.
After a complete transformation in 2017, orchestrated by David Pirone and his team, this emblematic establishment of the 1950s is preparing to seduce palates with refined Greek cuisine, under the direction of the talented chef Emmanuel Perrodin.
Originaire du Jura, Emmanuel Perrodin a d'abord financé ses études en travaillant dans le restaurant familial avant de découvrir sa vocation au restaurant Peron à Marseille. Bien que n'étant pas cuisinier de formation, il a su faire de sa passion pour la cuisine un art en plongeant vers la gastronomie à l'âge de 30 ans : « Je suis tombé amoureux de la ville de Marseille et de la cuisine provençale », confie-t-il. Artiste culinaire et ancien président du Conservatoire Méditerranéennes, il a allié son amour pour la cuisine et son parcours d’historien, créant une expérience culinaire inoubliable. Ce chef, connu et réputé pour le développement des dîners International des Cuisines insolites avec les Grandes Tables pour Provence Tourisme, a accepté de rejoindre La Reine Jane pour deux raisons : sa rencontre avec David Pirone et l'opportunité de créer un restaurant grec. « David et son équipe ont un sens du détail qui me touche profondément. L'architecture, en harmonie avec son environnement, a également influencé le style de cuisine », assure le chef.
CUISINE AND HISTORY Originally from Jura, Emmanuel Perrodin first financed his studies by working in the family restaurant before discovering his calling at the Peron restaurant in Marseille. Although not a chef by training, he turned his passion for cooking into an art by diving into gastronomy at the age of 30: "I fell in love with the city of Marseille and Provençal cuisine," he confides. A culinary artist and former president of the Conservatoire International des Cuisines Méditerranéennes, he has combined his love for cooking with his background as a historian, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
This chef, known and renowned for developing the unusual dinners with the Grandes Tables for Provence Tourisme, agreed to join La Reine Jane for two reasons: his meeting with David Pirone and the opportunity to create a Greek restaurant. "David and his team have a sense of detail that deeply touches me. The architecture, in harmony with its environment, also influenced the style of cuisine," asserts the chef.
MEMORIES Greek cuisine is an invitation to travel. The chef brings his personal touch, drawing inspiration from memories of dishes tasted during his travels. Among the specialties, you will find Tyrokafter, a mixture of grilled peppers, yogurt, feta, and chili, as well as sardines marinated with star anise and dill.
"I only cook recipes that I love," he adds, emphasizing the importance of conviviality and sharing in his cuisine.
His passion for local products and traditional recipes is reflected in every dish. The menu, accessible to all, offers sharing plates starting at €6, allowing everyone to enjoy a unique moment. Wine lovers are also delighted by a selection of exceptional Greek wines, highlighting unique grape varieties from the islands of Samos, Péloponnèse, and Crète, which perfectly accompany each dish.
Finally, the restaurant is not limited to its cuisine. With its Rooftop offering a breathtaking 360° view of the city and the îles d'Or, the establishment offers various events: seafood brunches on Saturdays, traditional brunches on Sundays, lounge evenings with live music, and even yoga sessions on Sunday mornings. In short, the ideal place to organize private or professional events (weddings, baptisms, and seminars, etc.)
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Laurette PARAY - Photos by Philippe OLIVIER.