As the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of cooks, Hélène Darroze was immersed in the flavours of her native Landes region from her earliest years. She likes to create fresh interpretations of traditional southwestern French dishes, producing some unexpected pairings based on the season and her inspiration.

"My cooking is based on great respect for my ingredients," Hélène explains. "It draws its inspiration from regional values, the values of the terroir, and is rounded out with influences I've absorbed elsewhere." Her attachment to the Landes region and her loyalty to its producers have been amply proven.