MICHELIN-starred French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has given Belfast diners a sumptuous taste of the culinary expertise he’ll bring to the city when the new £25 million Marriott Hotel opens in the Harbour Estate in exactly a year's time.
Novelli (55) is taking the helm at the landmark 104-seat restaurant within the 190-bedroom AC Hotel by Marriott at the £250 million City Quays 2 waterfront development, which extends over 20 acres.
It will be his first business venture in Ireland, offers food connoisseurs an exclusive brasserie menu with all the flair associated with the popular French chef.
Ahead of the restaurant opening, Novelli showcased some of the food offering he’ll be serving up at “Jean-Christophe Novelli at City Quays”.
The menu at an event at the Harbour Commissioners’ office included seared scallops with sweet potato mash and orange & vanilla reduction for starters and later his signature dessert of Novelli apple tart tatin, calvados & bourbon, with vanilla ice cream.
The main course was barolo & liquorice braised lamb shank with celeriac puree.
Jean-Christophe said Belfast was "perfect" for his Ireland debut, adding: “I’m delighted to be the first chef with plans to open a restaurant at City Quays and really looking forward to welcoming guests to the city’s newest landmark development at the Marriott Hotel.
“Belfast has a well-deserved reputation as a must-visit food destination, and I can’t wait to add my expertise to what is an already successful and thriving hospitality industry here."
Graeme Johnston, property director of Belfast Harbour, said: "Jean-Christophe Novelli is recognised across the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond as a true champion of high quality, down-to-earth and innovative menu combinations, and his decision to choose City Quays is a testament to the success of our development plans for this key city centre site and the strong demand for great hospitality and the vibrancy of our visitor economy.
“This strategically located and exciting new restaurant will provide a welcome addition to Belfast and Northern Ireland’s strong hospitality, leisure and tourism offer.”
“It’s a real coup for Belfast and I look forward to an outstanding first year when our hotel opens its doors in 2018.”
A European Chef of the Year finalist, recipient of the prestigious Egon Ronay Dessert of the Year award and voted Chef's Chef of the Year by his peers, his Novelli Academy has been voted one of the Top 25 Cooking Academies in the World, which he still owns and performs his own demonstrations.
