Pascal Sanchez Leaves Twist to Open His Own Restaurant

After spending 16 years with chef Pierre Gagnaire, Pascal Sanchez is moving on to open his own restaurant in the south of France. Sanchez served as the chef de cuisine at Twist by Pierre Gagnaire since it opened at Mandarin Oriental in 2009. Previously, he was the executive head chef at Sketch, Gagnaire’s restaurant in London. His final night in the kitchen was last Saturday.

Ryuki Kawasaki takes over the reigns of Twist.

Sanchez says the move was inspired by two events in his life — his mother’s health and the birth of his daughter, Mia, three months ago. He plans to open Mia, named for his daughter, in Montpellier, France, on the Mediterranean. French architect Jean Nouvel is designing the restaurant that opens in August or September.

“The concept is art, design and food,” says Sanchez, who wants to serve simple and elegant organic and seasonal dishes.

Kawasaki has been with Gagnaire for 13 years, and just spent three weeks in France with the chef going over the menu. He has worked with Joël Robuchon and Paul Bocuse as well.
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