Something exciting has happened at that iconic bistro, Benoit. Alain Ducasse is a world traveller and it is explicitly expressed in the fact that he likes to open French restaurants outside of France, such as Tokyo and Osaka. Of course, the original centenarian Benoit is in Paris, and the New York version welcomed a brand new team this year. With Executive Chef Laëtitia Rouabah in place, Benoit is ushering in a new era. Alongside Rouabah is the young Head Pastry Chef Thomas Padovani, who hails from Corsica. Together they focus on the New York Meets Paris approach that includes new interpretations respecting traditional fare. Young and up-and-coming winemakers are spotlighted with rotating wine flights such as the Vine a la Ficelle system where guest pay based on the amount of wine consumed.