Étape prestige Bouliac - (Bordeaux)
Only 10 minutes drive from Bordeaux but nestled in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by prestigious vineyards, in the adorable little village of Bouliac, this hotel has an unusual architectural style. Designed by Jean Nouvel, Le Saint-James is a design treasure bathed in natural light. Everything here is devoted to the cult of beauty and pleasure with exceptional wines to accompany the sublime food prepared by top chef Michel Portos. Discrete luxury, charm and authenticity, a personalized welcome and upscale services sum up the philosophy of Le Saint-James, member of Relais & Châteaux.
Harmonious blend of comfort and technology, the low-key décor in each room allows light “to invade” the space: large bay windows, walls coated with marble powder, painted concrete floors, spacious bathroom, furniture by famous designers, etc. The 3 suites from 50 to 70 sqm, are arranged as lofts and present each a peculiarity. The suite Hauterive has a heightened bed allowing to enjoy the landscape with the head on the pillow. The suite Harley Davidson, ground-floor terrace at the foot of the vines, shows a real bike in the room. The Jacuzzi suite has a its own Jacuzzi on the private teak terrace overhanging the vineyards of the establishment, overlooking the swimming pool with a view over all Bordeaux: a magic delight, a real sensation of privilege!
After a childhood spent in the old part of Marseille, Michel Portos studies accountancy to please his father but continues to dream of ‘les grandes cuisines’. He eventually enters the vocational school, in Marseille, to come out first in his year 2 years later. His career as a Chef is launched. After 3 years as Executive Chef in the Restaurant Troisgros in Roanne, he opens his own establishment: Côté Théâtre, in Perpignan. That's where he is attributed his first Michelin star in 2001. Then in 2002, Jean-Claude Borgel gave him the opportunity to fully express his talent in Bouliac. Great complicity and deep respect bound the two men together. In March 2009, the Michelin guide gives his second Michelin star to Michel Portos and his exceptional team of 12 people, aged 25 to 30,all participating in the success of the restaurant since the beginning of the adventure.
Michel Portos has long since abandoned sauces for reductions, the small jus deliciously perfumed with spices and herbs. His cuisine “titillates the palate”. It is all about depth. It surprises. It astounds. It seduces. It is influenced by the Maghreb, Asia, to a major degree by the Mediterranean Basin and henceforth by the Girondin terroir in a perfect dosage of flavours. He interprets the register of the acidic perfectly thanks to his wide use of citrus fruits and vinegars. He always seeks to introduce a “crunchy” element for the sake of balance. He loves dishes that reflect people and special situations, expressing them in his very own way. There are no traditional recipes on the Saint-James menu: “This type of cuisine is done very well by local craftsmen. A gourmet restaurant must be creative.”
Michel Portos is part of this generation of Chefs fascinated by the wine, he thus needed a Sommelier of exception. In September 2004, he calls by his side Richard Bernard, Head Sommelier at La Poularde (Montrond les Bains). They met at Troisgros and have always maintained their friendship despite different paths. This Best Sommelier of France (1997) is in charge of a wine cellar with 2,000 references, a superb selection that earned him the title of Best Sommelier of the Year from the magazine Gault Millau.
The Saint-James, the gourmet restaurant, conjures up a cuisine that is indeed classical but nonetheless revisited and multicultural, featuring regional produce. Creations inspired by the daily market and the seasons in harmony with the low-key décor and the Deshoulières crockery: a line has been specially created to enhance the flavours invented by Michel Portos. All this crowned by panoramic views of Bordeaux, the gardens, the swimming pool and the rows of Merlot vines that produce the famous "Vin du Jardin".
area with the rooms, presents a contemporary art exhibition, including works by artists from Bordeaux and elsewhere.
3, place Camille Hostein
33270 BOULIAC - France
Fax : +33 (0)5 56 20 92 58
stjames@relaischateaux.com
www.saintjames-bouliac.com
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