French chef in Russia: Sanctions are like a challenge we enjoy, David Hemmerle, Grand Cru

Meet David Hemmerle, the French head chef at Moscows Grand Cru restaurant, one that boasts a Michelin star and listed in the prestigious La Liste ranking David has been living and working in Moscow since 2001. He has a Russian wife, his kids were born in Russia, and he hopes to obtain a Russian citizenship soon. Was it difficult to leave France and start a new life in Russia during the early 2000s Yes, it was David experienced the era of Russian gangsters, fur coats, lots of girls at the same time, living in an old apartment with carpets and a Sovietera red telephone. Is it difficult to work in such a toprated restaurant with all these sanctions slapped on Russia No, it isnt Sanctions are like a challenge that we enjoy: we are artists, so we improvise, says David. In addition, it also means that money doesnt go outside the country because of