24H IN BARNIE
DU STYLE, UN VESTIAIRE, VOS INSTANTS, WITH CHEF TABATA MEY
"BARNIE" is the name of a woman who symbolises all others. A woman who embodies strength, grace and confidence. Today, Tabata Mey is the Barnie woman, and we invite you to discover her…
The chef revealed by the show "Top Chef", is above all a born entrepreneur.
Of Brazilian origin, Tabata Mey is a passionate, hedonistic, energetic woman and a fulfilled mother of 3 young boys.
With Ludovic, her partner and associate, they have just opened Ombellule and Roseaux, two new culinary "gems" offering original and captivating dining experiences, divinely decorated by the talented Nathalie Rives.
A woman of taste with a thousand ideas and boundless energy, Tabata puts beauty (and good food, of course) at the centre of her life, with a passion for interior architecture and careful attention to her daily wardrobe. Fashion allows her to feel beautiful and gain superpowers, both in the kitchen and in everyday life!
Meet a truly (very) captivating personality…
Could you describe a typical ideal day?
I wake up at 7 o'clock, breakfast with the family and Ludo and I take the children to school which is right next to our restaurants.
Kitchen preparation and lunch service up to 3pm.
I then go to my office to deal with all emails and admin up to 4:15pm, because if it's my turn to pick up the children, I need to be at school at 4:30pm.
We play in the park and then head home for the evening routine: homework, bath, dinner and bed around 8pm (when I manage to get them all down at once!)
Once the children are in bed, I finish my work on the computer or I focus on creating new dishes and recipes.
Ludo and I share the week with the children in the evenings. For the lunchtime service, we are both at the restaurant, but in the evening there is only one of us.
On days when I don't need to pick up the children, I take time in the afternoons to do Ashtanga Yoga or sport.
What are your wellness tips, do you have a particular routine?
I admit I am not very disciplined when it comes to myself. The only goal I truly commit to is my Ashtanga sessions that I've been doing for several years now. It's the only moment when my mind is truly thinking of nothing! I feel more at peace and Ludo notices every time I miss a session (laughs).
Another thing that is very important to me is seeing my naturopath regularly! He prepares my body for the seasons as well as helping me cope during periods of intense work and stress, like right now with the two openings. We also take the children before winter, to avoid seasonal illnesses.
Otherwise, I pay very close attention to my daily protein intake (not always easy as a vegetarian) to avoid fatigue, and I try to drink enough water… as I'm a camel!
What is your favourite outfit, the one you love wearing and in which you feel beautiful?
I love long skirts! With boots in winter or heeled sandals in summer, I find they give a beautiful silhouette and a sense of height! I wear them with all types of tops! An oversized roll-neck jumper or a t-shirt, everything works.
What would be your 3 essential basics?
A beautiful black heel, a pair of jeans with an incredible cut (like the Frany!) and a white t-shirt in a very high-quality cotton. I also love necklaces, which are a "must have" among my accessories. They can dress up a more basic outfit all on their own.
The craziest piece in your wardrobe?
I must admit I'm not the most original girl or the one who dares the most, so I would say my electric blue suede dress by Jimmy Choo.
What can we find in your handbag?
My hair elastics and clips to tie my hair back when I'm in the kitchen, and a lipstick. I prefer them almost nude, as I have a small mouth and red lipsticks give me a doll-like mouth that I'm not a fan of!
My chocolatier: It's hard to choose between Sébastien Bouillet and Bernachon. Sébastien is very creative and Philippe Bernachon got me addicted to his chocolate, with his touch of vanilla in the recipe, it makes all the difference!
My cheesemonger: La fromagerie du Château. They have a superb selection. Very good classics perfectly matured, but also little-known cheeses. The problem there is choosing!
My baker: Maison Deschamp. All their breads are made with natural sourdough. What I love is being able to find old recipes with real character, as well as beautiful baguettes. They are true enthusiasts…
Hot chocolate: You won't believe me, but the best hot chocolate in the city is at Lindt. Yes, I know, we're not talking about small local artisans, but when it's good, it's good! Their hot chocolates are made from melted chocolate flowing from their chocolate fountain, either milk or dark. It's indecent… We go there all the time with the children!