France meets California at The Royce Wood Fired Steakhouse at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. With Chef Denis Depoitre, originally from Nantere, France, at the helm of the restaurant, he brings to the cuisine he creates his past experience of growing up in a large family where the kitchen was the heart of the home and food was a large influence in his life. His heart remains here in America — he came to the United States in 1983, thinking he would return to Paris a few years later, but he then met his future wife and stayed.

© The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

Depoitre has been executive chef at this property since 2008, but he was at The Ritz-Carlton Pasadena for more than 14 years prior to its transition to a Langham property. The Royce Wood Fired Steakhouse serves the finest selection of prime cuts, including Australian wagyu and grass-fed beef. The meat is prepared over a white oak and seasonal wood wood-fired grill that maximizes flavor and juiciness.

Diners may hear melodies while they eat, as Depoitre is a talented musician, accomplished on the harmonica, playing internationally with The Healers, a high-energy blues band formed in 1996.

Which food is your guilty pleasure? And on the opposite end of the spectrum, what is one ingredient or food you hate to use? Authentic, spicy, tuna handrolls — I can’t get enough of them. I hate cinnamon — the smell, the taste, everything about it.

What dishes would you serve at a private dinner party? I’d definitely serve a seafood bouillabaisse.

What was the first meal you ever prepared on your own? It was with my mother … a braised endive and ham with bechamel sauce.

If you could describe your personal style in one dish, which dish would it be and why? All of my dishes are non-complicated, well-cooked and well-seasoned. Respect the dish you are cooking. Some chefs make food too complicated, feeding their egos instead of
the customer.

Which culinary trend would you like to disappear? Experiential dining that does not add to the food, such as wearing earphones to hear the ocean when eating seafood.

© The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

THE ROYCE WOOD FIRED STEAKHOUSE
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
tel 626 568 3900
roycela.com