The Taste of Paris in San Francisco
While over 15 millions of spectators are expected to descend on Paris for the Olympics and Paralympic Games just in time for the July 26, 2024 grand opening ceremony, some of us, including the avid sports fan such as I am, who attended in the past a number of Olympic Games in Montreal, Los Angeles and Calgary, are staying home this time, glued to my extra giant new TV set and root enthusiastically for the phenomenal American athletes in hope they will bring the shiny medals home: “Go USA!”
One thing for sure: we don’t have to fly to Paris to enjoy the taste of a fabulous French cuisine – as we have it right here in the heart of San Francisco, and my choice is: ONE65, the amazing Michelin Guide dining destination located on six floors of stunning and uniquely stylish with dim romantic lighting restaurant – the French restaurant officially recognized as the outstanding delicious jewel of French cuisine in California. Did I mention the divine croissants and mouth watering pastries you can purchase as a gift to-go at the restaurant’s first floor’s sweet Patisserie shop spoilingly created by ONE65 talented Pastry Chef.
Just like the beautiful and dazzling music under the masterful baton of an award winning conductor, the multiple award winning Michelin Star Chef Claude Le Tohic is the Maestro of the ONE65 kitchen at its multiple awards winning restaurant.
The delicate art and the rich culture of French cuisine accompanied by the famously treasured and award winning French wines transform the ONE650 restaurant into a culinary masterpiece orchestrated by the creative culinary genius of the Master Chef Claude Le Tohic.
Per ONE650 PR Office: Claude Le Tohic, Chef Partner, and conceptual visionary of ONE65, brings extensive Michelin star experience to the San Francisco culinary scene. ONE65 represents an exciting new chapter in Le Tohic’s decorated career, presenting four distinct, modern French dining experiences under one roof. Le Tohic’s vision is to celebrate modern French cuisine without pretense, incorporating California’s fresh produce at its finest, and to offer a full range of menus — from casual pastries and coffee to French-California fine dining — for every taste, every hour, every occasion.
Le Tohic’s culinary journey began with crêpes. Born into a restaurant family in northern France, Le Tohic recognized at an early age that the culinary arts were his calling. He started waiting tables but was soon working side by side with his parents, learning all aspects of running the business.
Le Tohic attended culinary school in Vannes, France. Upon graduation, he accepted an apprenticeship at Les Hortensias, a one-Michelin star restaurant. Two years later, he joined the kitchen of acclaimed Chef Ghislaine Arabians’ at Le Restaurant, a two-Michelin star eatery in Lille, France. Recognized for his skills and creativity, less than a year later he became chef de cuisine, working alongside Joël Robuchon, at Jamin, a three-Michelin star restaurant in Paris.
In 1998, Le Tohic stepped into a lead position at the Centre de Formation d’Apprentis Interconsulaire de l’Eure (CFAIE), a prestigious apprenticeship program. In 2004, in the presence of the president of the French Republic, he received the highly revered, peer-juried “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” award for his efforts in preserving, advancing and perpetuating the tradition of French cuisine. Le Tohic is the only active chef in the U.S. who has been honored with this prestigious award. After seven years of inspiring work at the CFAIE, Le Tohic moved to the United States, where his creativity earned the restaurant Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand the only three Michelin star rating in Las Vegas.
Claude Le Tohic has garnered numerous awards in recognition for his skills, including the James Beard Foundation Award of Best Chefs in America 2010 and induction as a member of “Les Maîtres Cuisiniers de France” (Master Chefs of France). Despite his distinguished credentials, Claude Le Tohic remains a grounded and humble professional, continually inspiring those around him and excited to share his talents with the world.”
My numerous dining visits to ONE65 have been memorable and truly enjoyable. Tasting Chef Claude’s intriguing French authentic and brilliant dishes replace my current desire to travel to Paris… at least not with 15 million visitors.
Bon Appétit & Au Revoir!
ONE65
165 O’Farrell Street in San Francisco
415-814-8888
Photos courtesy of John Troxell and Joseph Weaver:
By Lina Broydo