Every month, the West End Hotel**** puts the spotlight on one of its employees through a series of questions designed to help us better understand his job and what motivates him in his daily work. Today, the hotel presents Benoît Fossiez, Chef at Le Siècle restaurant. 

Can you introduce yourself?
I’m 44 years old and I’ve been Chef at Le Siècle for 7 months. After travelling a lot and living abroad, I settled in Nice to take over the restaurant’s kitchen as Chef. I supervise a brigade of 10 people. Before that, I worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Nice and in some of the top restaurants in Thailand. It was there that I discovered Asian spices, which I like to use in my cooking, even though at Le Siècle we’re more into Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of spice!

What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is discovering new flavours and new ways of cooking. Living and working in Thailand gave me a taste for spices. As a result, today I offer Mediterranean cuisine with unique tastes that people don’t know about.

What advice would you give to a new colleague?
One of the first pieces of advice I would give to a new employee is to be passionate. Because it’s a passionate job! Other advice would be to be patient, rigorous and well organised. Organisation is super important and the key to success! 

What’s your favourite place at the Hôtel West End?
Even though I spend most of my time in the kitchen, the little terrace is my favourite place. There’s a beautiful view and to clear your head for 5 minutes and take a little break, it’s the ideal place. 

What are your best memories of the hotel?
My best memories are without doubt the Opera evenings and the Christmas evenings. These are great times for the cuisine, but there’s a very specific atmosphere.  

What advice would you give guests on how to make the most of their stay?
Several things! I’d advise them to try the Châteaubriand piece, which is a real treat! And then to explore the Cours Saleya with its unmissable market, which is a must-see, especially in the morning… the best time of the day.