Paris, September 4th – Anne-Sophie Pic, the internationally acclaimed chef with the most Michelin stars in the world, has ventured into the world of mixology with the grand opening of Utopic, her first-ever cocktail bar. The establishment, located within the Fondation Cartier for Contemporary Art at the corner of Rue de Marengo and Rue de Rivoli in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, officially welcomed its first guests on Friday, September 4th.
A New Chapter for the Culinary Icon
After more than three decades perfecting culinary arts and nearly a decade exploring the intricate pairings between food and beverages, Chef Pic is now focusing her innovative spirit on drinks. This marks a significant expansion of her gastronomic empire, offering a unique ‘liquid gastronomy’ experience.
The opening of Utopic was initially announced in December, when Anne-Sophie Pic and her husband, David Sinapian, revealed their plans to establish a presence in the prestigious, newly renovated space by architect Jean Nouvel, formerly occupied by the Louvre des Antiquaires. At that time, the bar was described as a ‘signature bar’ complementing the forthcoming gastronomic restaurant. However, Utopic has now emerged with its own distinct identity and concept.
An Intimate Speakeasy Ambiance
The interior design, entrusted to the Moinard Bétaille agency-known for its work on several Cartier boutiques worldwide-evokes a cozy, hushed speakeasy atmosphere. A discreet entrance on Rue de Marengo adds to the exclusive feel, inviting patrons into a world of refined cocktails.
Cocktails Inspired by Signature Dishes
In an interview with Ici Drôme Ardèche, Chef Pic articulated her philosophy behind the new venture: “A cocktail is cuisine in a glass. It’s liquid gastronomy, in a way.” This concept is a natural extension for Pic, who has been theorizing since 2023 about ‘impregnation’ – a culinary technique where two ingredients cohabitate until they release a third, unique aroma.
While her influence is paramount, Chef Pic will not be behind the bar herself. “No, no, I won’t go that far, I’m not a bar technician!” she clarified. The cocktail menu was meticulously crafted in collaboration with Mike Kassabian, the head mixologist for the Pic group since 2021, and Maël Jego, an alumnus of Paris’s renowned Little Red Door cocktail bar. Jego spent the summer immersing himself in Pic’s culinary universe in Valence to bring her vision to life.
“My presence in these cocktails is essentially aromatic. The idea is to rediscover my culinary universe,” the chef summarized.
A Culinary Journey in Every Glass
Among the innovative creations is a tribute to the ‘berlingot,’ a signature dish from Maison Pic. “It will be composed of Banon cheese, cedrat, green chartreuse, and rum, illustrating a pure house cocktail,” Pic detailed. Other cocktails will echo her ‘clair-obscur’ dish, featuring sea urchin, or the mandarin-saffron accords found in her turbot preparation.
Starting at 5 PM, Utopic will also offer a curated selection of small plates, prepared by the team of the upcoming Anne-Sophie Pic Paris gastronomic restaurant. This highly anticipated restaurant is scheduled to open on September 18th at the same location, further solidifying Pic’s presence in the Parisian culinary scene.
A Vision Born from Global Inspiration
The idea for a cocktail bar has been brewing for Chef Pic for some time. She traces its origins back to a trip to Asia in 2008, where she was captivated by the intimate and sophisticated world of Japanese bars. This early inspiration has now culminated in Utopic, a testament to her continuous evolution and pursuit of new gastronomic experiences.
Utopic promises to be more than just a bar; it is an extension of Anne-Sophie Pic’s culinary artistry, offering a unique sensory journey where flavors and aromas intertwine in unexpected ways. It is set to become a new landmark in Paris’s vibrant culinary and mixology landscape.
Source: https://www.leparisien.fr/paris-75/paris-le-bar-a-cocktail-danne-sophie-pic-cheffe-la-plus-etoilee-du-monde-ouvre-ce-vendredi-rue-de-rivoli-04-09-2026-YHRDFOYXLRCFNHTHW6CM4325PA.php
