What did the young Christophe dream of becoming when he grew up?
Today I am in a place where I wanted to be when I first started my career. Working at a luxury hotel was always a dream of mine and here I am.
Tell us a bit about your parcours to get to LA.
That’s a long story, really long… But I will try to make it short!
After working in Michelin stars restaurants in France and being a teacher assistant in one of the most prestigious pastry schools called ENSP in Yssingeaux, I decided to take my chance in the USA. I started in 2009 in Las Vegas and was part of the opening team of ARIA, which is a 4000+ room hotel. From there I grew into my management position, supervising a team of 60+ cooks on a daily basis, and focused on developing my artistic skills. I took a deep dive into America’s most classic desserts like apple pie, banana cream pie and pumpkin pies. Then I started competing in Chocolate showpieces competitions, won competitions on Food Network, starred on Bake Squad Netflix and represented America in the highest chocolate competition in the world. I took a big risk in my career and left the hospitality industry for almost two years to fully focus on the preparation of that competition. I was that committed. So, I spent four months in France to finish the preparation and got 5th place out of 18 countries. When I came back to the US , I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was looking for “THE JOB”, not just a pastry chef position. I wanted something that would align with my passion and commitment to Pastry, something that would bring me to the next level. So when I met with the general manager at Hotel Bel-Air and he told me a little bit of the history and where the hotel was going, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.
“It’s all about balance and simplicity. It is really hard to be simple.”
How is taking over the reins at the Bel Air?
It’s been great. I have really started with just focusing on my team and trying to guide them as much as possible. Seeing their growth has been very exciting and I can’t wait for what 2024 will bring.
I have been focusing for the most part on the team, working on their mindset and trying to give them the true benefit of my guidance. A lot of training is involved and the big picture is bright, really bright. I can see a big change coming in 2024 and I cannot wait to get to the level that I came here to achieve.
Which three decisions would you say changed your life path - for the better?
- Moving to America
- Marrying my beautiful wife Wilma
- Participating in the World Chocolate Master Competition
Any mentors en route you credit for your choices, twists and turns in your destiny? Or any special people that helped you make your choices?
I think every person I met in the hospitality industry is a part of who I became today, from the cooks, to the dish washer, to the F&B Director and executive chefs. You learn so much from every individual. But if I have to choose the top three I would say:
- Jacques Guillaumat, my pastry chef in France who taught me most of the basics.
- Guillaume Mabilleau, owner of Nuances Gourmandes. One of the most kind and talented pastry chefs in the world. He welcomed me to his business in France and coached me to bring me to Paris for the Final of the World Chocolate Master.
- My wife Wilma, who supports every crazy decision that I make in my life.
What advice would you give other young aspiring pastry chefs?
Put your head down and work hard, learn the basics, master them, be passionate and give it back.
“I am a true passionate person who never gives up and I enjoy the simple things in life.”
How is life in LA?
Los Angeles is a tough city but I am settling in and learning my way. There is something really special about Hotel Bel-Air that makes me want to stay and create something special.
Are there any places still on your ‘bucket’ list to visit in the US/Americas?
If I could, I would travel all the time. Miami, New Orleans and Missouri (I have a good friend that lives there). I want to go fishing for salmon in Alaska .
Do you feel like an expat or a local?
It definitely feels like home here.
So, where is ‘home’ now?
America is home , 1000%.
Follow Christophe Rull
IG: @christopherullpro