Louis + Tess

Louis and Tess have recently made the move to Heathcote, after a stint back in Louis’ home country France and a few years on the Bellarine Peninsula. They have now opened their restaurant, Chauncy, in Central Victoria.

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The search for like-minded artisans and full-flavoured produce is at the heart of Louis' cooking. Having grown up in Paris and spent the beginning of his career in Michelin starred restaurants, Louis now leans generously into well-honed techniques, paired with his appreciation of balance and texture - the food is thoughtfully presented and paired beautifully with Tessa’s love for finding wines that reflect the place, time the incredible people that craft them. Her appreciation and love of classic French wine regions, forges a path to lesser-known grape varieties and producers of great quality and wonderful surprises.

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Louis moved to Melbourne and spent over a decade working in fine dining restaurants, including Head Chef of Grossi Florentino. Having returned to France and worked in the Basque country, he was reminded of the importance of local partnerships in food sourcing and the quality of smaller artisan produce.

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Tess was born in Melbourne and started her career as a Sommelier after realising that wine was her passion. She has worked on the floor at top restaurants, meeting Louis at Florentino Upstairs and then spending a few years in the McConnell Group (Supernormal and Cutler & Co). Tess has studied wine extensively and her love of working with wine is not limited to tasting, having completed vintages in Australia and France. Having worked in Burgundy with Vincent Dauvissat and Yabby Lake in the Mornington Peninsula, she learnt about the old and newer ways of production.