Jihyun Kim, 2027 Young Talent Award, Paris Île-de-France

On Monday, September 7, 2026, culinary professionals gathered at the Orangerie d'Auteuil for the Gault&Millau Tour awards ceremony for the Île-de-France region. The 2027 Young Talent Award was presented to Jihyun Kim, chef atÉbène in Paris (2 toques), by Freddy Guillemot, representing Rougié. This is a recognition for this young chef from South Korea, whose restaurant earned 2 toques in the guide right from its opening.

A career forged alongside the greatest

After arriving in France to study the language at the Catholic University of Lyon, Jihyun Kim went on to join the Paul Bocuse Institute, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in restaurant management while training at Les Saisons, the school’s restaurant. She went on to gain experience working with Christian Têtedoie and then Bertrand Grébaut at Septime, before settling permanently in Paris in 2018 to joinAlain Passard’s kitchen at L’Arpège. Starting as a commis, she rose to sous chef in less than a year and spent six years working alongside Alain Passard.

Ébène: A Joint Venture

It was at L’Arpège that Jihyun Kim met Simon Plantrou, who was then working in the dining room under Alain Passard. In 2024, the couple set out to open their own restaurant, supported by the Gault&Millau Young Talents Grant. Ébène finally opened its doors in September 2025 at 8 Rue Falguière in Paris, in the former Vitis location. In the kitchen, the chef creates a minimalist, plant-forward menu, while Simon Plantrou orchestrates precise service in the dining room.

Check out the 2027 Gault&Millau Paris Île-de-France Guide, available in bookstores on Thursday, September 10.