If cooking were an Olympic sport, France would undoubtedly take the gold. With more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country, France’s culinary scene is a world leader. As Paris prepares to host the upcoming Olympic Games, there’s a palpable desire to push the boundaries of performance—not just in sports, but in the kitchen.
Enter Manon Fleury, a former international fencer for France, who has opened one of Paris’s most talked-about new restaurants, Datil, in the heart of the city. Drawing parallels between athleticism and culinary artistry, Fleury brings the discipline and teamwork of sports into her kitchen.
“I think I’ve brought some of those ideas from sport with me into the restaurant,” says Fleury. “The ideas of collective spirit, involvement, and effort.”
A Moment to Shine
With the Olympics putting Paris in the global spotlight, Datil aims to captivate visitors seeking exceptional dining experiences. “It is certainly a moment for us,” says Fleury. “We can show what Paris is able to do.”
Fleury is also using this platform to promote sustainability and ethical practices in the culinary world. Datil emphasizes the political power of food, advocating for its role in combating climate change and animal cruelty.
“We need to think about food differently,” Fleury explains. “It’s a weapon in the fight for a better future.”
Championing Gender Equality
Beyond her innovative menu, Fleury is making strides toward gender equality in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Her kitchen is predominantly staffed by female chefs—a decision she attributes to hiring the best candidates, who happened to be women.
“I think we need to change this idea that men should dominate the sector,” says Fleury. “We need to put women in this industry, and they should be in big positions. We have to fight for this equality we speak about.”
A Taste of Excellence
Datil offers guests a refined culinary experience, with dishes like tomato and fish soup adorned with edible petals, and inventive combinations of courgette and tuna. The attention to detail and commitment to excellence reflect the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” but with a gastronomic twist.
As the world gathers in Paris for the Olympics, restaurants like Datil are set to deliver not just athletic excitement but also unforgettable culinary adventures. In the spirit of the Games, Fleury and her team are aiming for gold—on the plate.
Reference(s):
Eat like a champion: French restaurants seek Olympic-level performance
cgtn.com
