Benoit Bistro, the quintessential French destination by Alain Ducasse, is proud to celebrate the evolution of its leadership as Chef de Cuisine Lucile Plaza prepares to transition into the role of Executive Chef. This promotion marks a new chapter for the restaurant, led by a chef whose career embodies a bridge between classical French heritage and the vibrant energy of New York City.
A Foundation of French Mastery and Dual Heritage
Chef Lucile’s journey began in the suburbs of East Paris, where she was inspired by her dual French and Spanish heritage. Her commitment to the craft started early; at age 10, she was already determined to become a chef, and by 15, she began her formal culinary education at Ecole Hôtelière de PARIS – CFA Médéric. She mastered classical French technique as an apprentice for Chef Philippe Prevalet at L’Auberge du Pont de Bry. By age 17, she was already working her way up the ranks in some of Paris’ most prestigious Michelin starred kitchens, where she developed a deep understanding of high-qual ity, seasonal ingredients.
A Leading Female Voice with Extensive New York Experience
Seeking new challenges, Lucile moved to New York in 2014 to join the team at Alain Ducasse’s Benoit as Sous Chef. Working in a collaborative, female-led kitchen alongside Executive Chef Laetitia Rouabah, she grew her craft while immersing herself in the diverse cultures and tastes of the city. After three and a half years at Benoit, she pursued a new challenge at Le Coq Rico. Within just three months of being hired as Executive Sous Chef, she was promoted to Executive Chef in January 2019. During this tenure, her culinary achievements brought her significant national and international recognition, with many critics hailing her creations as the best poultry dishes in the United States.
The Return and Future Leadership
In October 2020, Lucile returned to the Alain Ducasse family at Benoit as Chef de Cuisine, alongside Executive Chef Alberto Marcolongo since February 2022. Her approach to “elegant comfort food” has been widely praised by major media outlets including Wine Spectator and The Manual. New York Magazine specifically noted that she marries her classical French training and modern techniques to create elevated versions of traditional French dishes. Other publications, such as Forbes and The Daily Beast, have highlighted her as a top culinary expert. As she takes on the role of Executive Chef, Chef Lucile continues to use her platform as a prominent female chef to create food that makes people happy, no matter the dish or the occasion. Her leadership ensures that Benoit remains a cornerstone of French-American culinary excellence.
About Benoit Bistro: Located in the heart of New York City, Benoit is Alain Ducasse’s flagship bistro, offering a contemporary take on classic French fare with a focus on seasonality and bold, unexpected flavors.
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