Press Kit: The Story of L'Évidence
Gaëtan Evrard
Born in Touraine, Gaëtan Evrard inherited a passion for cooking at an early age, along with the enthusiasm of large family gatherings and a love for well-prepared dishes. These images, smells, and sounds have stayed with him, guiding him step by step toward his Michelin-starred destiny. For a time, he dreamed of becoming a winemaker, but eventually chose to train as a chef at the Albert Bayet vocational school in Tours, in the heart of the Garden of France.
Rooted in the reality of a terroir—the Val de l’Indre—these childhood memories constantly remind the chef of his passion for local produce and the discipline of the seasons, which infuse his gastronomy with emotion and his art of living in the present.
“The culinary heritage passed down to me by my parents and grandparents influences my cooking every day. Each day, I strive to honour them by creating dishes that speak of nature and tell the story of the beauty of our terroir.”
– Gaëtan Evrard
A man of character who refuses monotony, Gaëtan Evrard quickly learned to defend his independence and his authentic creative spirit. This complete freedom is now reflected in a menu that is constantly evolving. A menu he writes instinctively, allowing for variations.
« L’Évidence »
In 2017, in his quest for excellence, Gaëtan Evrard visited La Chancelière in Montbazon, an establishment that had become emblematic of the town, nestled in a 16th-century building. He left his restaurant in Tours (rue Colbert) to take over this historic venue.
At the helm of this legendary place, Gaëtan Evrard realized its potential for growth. This intimate setting (35 covers), where life is both good and beautiful, allows the chef to cultivate a true epicurean harmony. By savoring every moment and appreciating the unforgettable, his gastronomy becomes a play of delightful experiences and thoughtful details.
In 2019, just a year after settling in, his determination and creative culinary identity were rewarded with a first Michelin star. This recognition gave the chef and his team new waves of inspiration and high standards, making L'Evidence a culinary destination and a reference well beyond the borders of Touraine.
A chef of instinct & the moment.
As a re-enchanter of the Val de l’Indre terroir, Gaëtan Evrard draws his creativity from childhood memories and the taste of ingredients. Attuned to people, his recipes are also inspired by his notebooks filled with encounters with the region's artisans. In search of rare products that he can elevate, this chef of instinct and the moment cooks as he lives: with audacity, kindness, and respect. He is meticulous in selecting harvests based on weather and seasons, adapting each recipe to the slightest changes that nature dictates. Curious by nature, he also enjoys foraging along the banks of the Indre, gathering wild plants that later infuse his recipes with unique flavors.
"Nature is captivating. Being in touch with a terroir and what it has most precious to offer—its artisans and its products—is the heart of my cuisine."
– Gaëtan Evrard
In search of the perfect balance between flavour and texture, the chef embraces bold compositions. By showcasing ingredients without altering their essence, he delights in surprising his guests with the organic richness of his dishes and the quality of his ingredients. For him, this is a source of pride. Like an abstract painter, Gaëtan Evrard assembles his plate as one would compose a painting. By orchestrating colours and textures, he grounds his work in the reality of an image and a taste.
"The essential thing is the product."
To approach a product, Gaëtan Evrard first tastes it in its raw state, at the producers he works with. He listens to them, understands their methods of raising or growing, and observes their environment and the landscapes around the production sites. From these stories, sensations arise that the chef then aims to translate onto the plate.
"The essential thing is the product. It is the very essence of a dish’s quality."
– Gaëtan Evrard
Gaëtan Evrard creates signature recipes, a condensed and precise dialogue at the heart of the plate, marking his uniqueness. When he constructs a dish, it is the product that guides him, placing it at the center of his approach. He then works on what he calls the satellite elements: the garnish, sauces, and condiments. On the plate, his stories are captivating and full of surprises for the eyes and the palate.
Passionate about the world of wine, Gaëtan Evrard also places great importance on wines. He pays homage to these essentials on his menu at L’Evidence, featuring nearly 600 references, with over 450 dedicated to the Centre-Val de Loire.
The dishes are revealed alongside a glass of wine."
– Gaëtan Evrard
A ambassador of the Val de l'Indre
Filled with admiration for the biodiversity of his terroir, Gaëtan Evrard's gastronomy is a bucolic journey through the Val de l'Indre. Respectful of the work of those who shape these landscapes of earth every day, the chef at L’Evidence creates dishes with echoes of heritage. Enriched by both traditional and contemporary craftsmanship, his cuisine evokes emotions, reflecting the talents of his region—farmers, fishermen, foragers… An abundant environment that he views as a natural principle in his philosophy of life and work.
As a committed advocate for the preservation and enhancement of the Val de l'Indre, a cradle of still-preserved nature, Gaëtan Evrard has also become, over the years, an ambassador for its finest artisans. Hand in hand, they celebrate the unique taste and energy of their region with an eternal spirit of renewal.
For more details or to contact us directly, please visit the contact page on our website.
