Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, known for his upscale dining hotspots frequented by the rich and famous, prioritizes his local patrons over celebrity clientele. During Art Basel Miami Beach, he emphasized the importance of staying connected with the community. “Priority [in hospitality] is taking care of your zip code,” he stated, underscoring the value of local support.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten has carved a niche in the culinary world with his restaurants around the world, including the US and Miami Beach, which welcome A-list celebrities. Despite this star-studded appeal, Jean-Georges believes that local diners are the cornerstone of his establishments. He humorously notes that, particularly during inclement weather, it is crucial that the local clientele feels at home in his eateries.
Recently, Vongerichten has embarked on a new venture—his first foray into real estate—with the upcoming Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences. Set in Miami’s Design District, this luxury building is designed to blend residential living with five-star service. David Martin, CEO of Terra, approached Vongerichten with the idea, which blossomed into a unique concept. “I said, ‘Do I need another restaurant?’ So, we started talking,” recalled Vongerichten. This discussion led to developing the “Jean-Georges living experience,” where residents can expect hotel-level amenities such as a stocked fridge with delicacies upon arrival.
The project, announced at Art Basel’s sales gallery, is already generating buzz even though it will take another few years to complete. In the interim, Vongerichten remains devoted to his passion for the culinary arts. “I’m still excited about [my restaurants]. I still wake up in the morning and run to work,” he shared, reflecting his enduring enthusiasm for the industry.
Vongerichten’s NYC supper club, Chez Margaux, has become a magnet for celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, and Taylor Swift. “I don’t even know how they found out about the place. It’s just magic!” he remarked. The allure of Chez Margaux demonstrates how word-of-mouth and the quality of experience can attract star power without exclusive invitations.
While Vongerichten enjoys the glamour of celebrity visits, he continues to channel this energy into his Miami project. Excitedly describing the Design District as the “action of Miami, where people want to live,” he envisions a vibrant community enriched by art and culture.
Despite being immersed in the glitzy world of celebrity chefs and luxury dining, Jean-Georges Vongerichten keeps his focus on serving the community. As he ventures into real estate, his priority remains making every guest feel like a VIP, whether they’re a local or a global superstar.
Source: Pagesix
