Reader Restaurant Awards' Big Personalities: Nicolas Socquet

This year we initiated the "Restaurant Personality of the Year" category as a nod to some of the people who make Beijing's dining scene what it is. We thought it'd be fun to have these personalities "interview" each other, so we invited each of the 13 nominees to contribute questions, and tossed a few in ourselves for good measure. Here’s what Nicolas Socquet of Maison Boulud had to say.

What one item of clothing best sums up your personality?
My tie must be Hermès. The bright colors would reflect a trendy and young attitude.

What’s the one thing that makes your restaurant differ from all others?
Our people! We teach them how to care about every guest, creating an unforgettable experience by providing an attitude straight from their hearts.

Why do the French do it better?
French cuisine is the only one recognized by UNESCO. Food and beverage for us is not simply fuel; it is life.

What’s your list of five must-try wines?
Jacques Selosse Substance Champagne
Didier Dagueneau Asteroide 2006
Domaine de La Romanée Conti 1945
Château Cheval Blanc 1947
Château Lafite 1961

Which Beijing restaurant personality would you most trust to save the day in an emergency?
Brian Reimer.

Check out the full list of who the readers chose in the Beijinger Reader Restaurant Awards here and here.

Maison Boulud 布鲁宫法餐厅 Ch'ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6559 9200) 东城区前门东大街23号

Click here to see the April issue of the Beijinger in full.