Sun King Louis XIV was just 22 years old when he married Marie-Thérèse of Spain in the Basque Country fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 1660. Today, a new prince is in town, but this one has made the kitchen his kingdom.
Pierre Boffo may only be 24 but he certainly knows a thing or two about cooking and has been appointed Executive Chef at family-owned boutique hotel, La Réserve.
La Reserve Hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and, below, the terrace of Restaurant Ilura
He heads up the hotel’s Ilura Restaurant, having honed his skills by working with some of the most respected Michelin starred chefs in South West France.
His Ilura menu showcases modern French Basque cuisine, bringing a unique take on his traditional roots. His dishes are all about locality – food from his childhood – food his grandmother introduced him to. All produce used is local and authentic to the region.
His journey to Saint-Jean-de-Luz has taken him to Australia, Vietnam and America where he broadened his culinary knowlege by experiencing different cultures to get a deeper understanding of their food and cooking techniques.
La Réserve is a stunning clifftop hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, located at the mouth of the Nivelle river and only 20 minutes from the Spanish border.
The location was no doubt behind King Louis XIV’s decision to choose the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church for his marriage to Marie-Thérèse.
The turreted Maison Louis XIV museum recreates 17th-century domestic life with period furniture and includes the King’s Chamber, where Louis XIV slept.
