Introduction

Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex (JCAA) is a French chef who is new to the UK restaurant scene, but is well established in France.

His original restaurant, l’Auberge de l’Ile, is located on l’Ile Barbe in Lyons and has held two Michelin stars since 2002. It is housed in a 17th Century monastery and is a ‘Relais Gourmand’ member of Relais et Chateaux.

L’Auberge de l’Ile
Place Notre DameI'Ile Barbe,
69009 Lyon
Tél: +33 (0) 478 83 99 49

Bought in 1967 by JC’s parents Jean-Louis and Renée Ansanay-Alex, they transformed the building from a bistro into a gastronomic destination. The arrival of JC at the stove in 1991 marked a new stage in the life of the business and he brought with him his wealth of experience and knowledge.

In 1993 he won his first Michelin star and his second star in 2002, and member of Relais & Châteaux "Grand Chef" since 2006.

For further information click here

In the mid 1980’s JC was personal chef to Christina Onassis and he has also trained at some of France’s top restaurants.
 

The Sovereign State of l’Ile Barbe

In 1977, as a result of having being incorporated into the 9th arrondissement/district of Lyons four men (Félix Benoît, Jean-Louis Ansanay-Alex (JC’s father), Septime André, and Auguste Bourdi) declared this small islet on the Saône River island independent.

Ile Barbe is a sovereign state, and Jean-Christophe (JC) is the Honorary Governor.

The Romans called it ‘Hoya’ as a reference to the animal which symbolises the messenger from the after-life. During the 3rd Century two hermits, trying to escape religious persecution chose the island as their residence. The island’s small Church soon became one of Lyon’s most powerful places of worship. Charlemagne decided it would be a place of pilgrimage, and religious works brought back from his many battles were housed in a crypt. Legend says that Durandal, Roland de Ronceveaux’s famous sword was buried somewhere on the island.

As well as minting its own commemorative currency, it has produced its own stamps – both of which are highly sought-after by collectors.

The Logo: The logo of l’Auberge de l’Ile represents an ancient river vessel, and is taken from a symbol found in the chapel at the Auberge.

 

JC is also a consultant to a number of venues, including:

La Sivolière (http://www.hotel-la-sivoliere.com), a boutique hotel in Courchevel, where his training in the Haute Savoie strongly influences its Savoyard menu.

Les Suites de la Potinière (www.suites-potiniere.com) a boutique hotel in Courchevel with a bar and chic finger-food. Only 15 suites and an apartment located in the middle of the village, with an exclusive spa.

i-way in Lyon, where JC has created a range of finger food for the lounge bar and restaurant. I-way is the world’s only high end venue dedicated to motor sports racing simulations - for further information click here (www.i-way.fr)

 

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