Dinner with
MICHEL PAIS
Meet Michel Pais, successful hospitality entrepreneur (namely owner of Strandzuid, Vondelpark3 and Caffe Esprit/Jackson Dubois). Today here with us, live from Bali where Michel draws his inspiration for a new hospitality concept. We will hear more about that soon, but for now, let's talk about something else.
Where in the world is your favorite restaurant?
‘At this moment, without a doubt, that would be restaurant Nobu Malibu. If you drive along the beautiful coast of California and stop in the lovely town of Malibu, right on the beach is Nobu. The ideal place to have a truly fantastic lunch and dinner with the sea and beach as a view. The perfect combination of fashion, beauty, and food porn, and who knows, you might even run into Hank Moody.’
And who would you really like to have dinner with? It can be anyone.
‘Unfortunately, that is no longer possible, but I would have loved to have dinner with Michael Jackson, the greatest artist of all time. Everyone knows him, but we actually know so little about him personally.’
Where do you prefer to sit in a restaurant?
‘I am and remain a hospitality entrepreneur who wants to keep an eye on everything, so I prefer to sit at a table in the middle of the establishment, so I can oversee everything well. It remains my passion to see how other colleagues do it, and that way you keep learning new things every day.’
What do you always hope is on a menu?
‘It's hard to say one specific dish or drink, because I love many different cuisines, so I’ll just stick with a nice Bacardi 8 Years.’
And is there something you really dislike? Tell me.
‘Dislike is a very negative word, but what I can really get annoyed about is when you want to order another drink and they say the bar is closed. Always give the guest one last round so they leave with a good feeling.’
Do you find your way on the wine list?
‘I do drink wine, but I don't have a great passion for it, so if a wine list is too extensive, I often end up ordering the wines I know and like. On the other hand, I do think there should be a more extensive champagne list more often. Champagne is not just fun when there is something to celebrate, it’s really very nice and refreshing, and it makes me happy.’
Starter or dessert?
‘When I really go out to eat, I prefer to order three courses. When I'm not very hungry, I sometimes skip the main course so I can have an appetizer and a dessert.’
And, let’s say, you’re cooking for a date for the first time. What’s on the table?
‘I’ll just go out to eat, because otherwise the evening won’t really be a success.’
What fun project are you currently working on?
‘While answering these questions, I am in Bali to get inspired regarding hospitality concepts and to look for diverse furniture and other hospitality supplies for a new concept that we will open next year. To be continued…’
