How Chef Jean Imbert is casting creative magic on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Chef Jean Imbert is bringing a new level of culinary excellence to Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Jean Imbert is bringing a new level of culinary excellence – keeping the legend and mystery of the world’s most famous train alive.

Belmond unveiled a new gastronomic era for the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe, with the appointment of Jean Imbert as Chef of the world’s most famous train.

Launching on the rails from the first journey of the 2022 season, Chef Imbert realised his dream of becoming part of the iconic train’s legacy – elevating the culinary experience for guests journeying through some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes.

As Pascal Deyrolle, General Manager, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe said, sophisticated dining is a key pillar of the journey and the luxury train guests build special memories around the food they eat, from breakfast in their cabins, to the formal dinner on board.

A CULINARY VOYAGE

Blending this iconic train’s gastronomic heritage with his own passion for fresh seasonal produce, prepared classically and with precision, Chef Imbert creates beautiful moments of culinary perfection in motion; from intimate celebrations in a private Grand Suite, to an entire takeover of the train’s glamorous art-deco carriages.

Chef Imbert’s new concept spans all of the train’s culinary menus and experiences; from breakfast served in the comfort of guests’ own cabin, to lunch, afternoon tea, elegant canapés during aperitivo hour in 3674 Bar Car, the social heart of the train, and an exquisite dinner. In addition, indulgent ‘Cabin Service’ delicacies are served around the clock.

“To be written into the story of the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a childhood dream come true. I genuinely feel as though the stars have aligned for me to have this once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am looking forward to sharing my deep passion for the train, through food, with our guests in this season and for years to come”, says Jean Imbert, Chef, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe.

Jean has also re-designed the atmosphere and visual identity of the three 1920s restaurant cars, (L’Oriental, Etoile Du Nord, and Côte d’Azur), to reflect his vision whilst maintaining their golden era of travel look and feel. Collaborating with some of the most renowned interior experts. New mood lighting casts a warm, candle-lit glow across tables laid with crisp white tablecloths and sparkling silver cutlery, bespoke art-adorned French porcelain dinnerware and unique menu designs reflect the distinct colour palette and history of each carriage.

Cementing existing relationships with local farmers and producers, while forging new connections with specialist artisans along the route, Chef Imbert transforms the finest ingredients into original menus over the course of the train’s calendar, as the seasons change.