Paul Pairet to Become Signature Chef of Unico?

By Betty Richardson

Here's a juicy bit of unconfirmed gossip: Paul Pairet is to become the signature chef of popular Bundside gastrolounge Unico. Mr & Mrs Bund/Ultraviolet fans, fret not, he'll still be head honcho of those restaurants too.

Taking over from two-Michelin Star chef Mauro Colagreco, who brought with him a Latin American-inspired menu, Pairet's Unico is rumored to be a completely different affair with a brand new menu and concept, and according to our source it "may be more casual and affordable." We're guessing they mean that relatively.

However, some things will be staying the same. The interiors aren't changing, and head chef Franck Salati is also sticking around too. He worked formerly with Pairet as head chef of Mr & Mrs Bund, so we're guessing he knows the ropes when it comes to working with the notoriously exacting French chef.

Similar to Mr & Mrs Bund, Pairet's Unico concept will feature sharing dishes. However, it will be very distinct from Mr & Mrs Bund style.

Sources are staying tight lipped on exactly what Pairet's Unico will be, but we managed to accost the poor man himself and sneak in a word. According to Pairet, Unico's new concept may be based around dishes that are designed to "arrive at the table in their exact optimum state."

Image by Jonathan Maloney for Empire HK

What exactly does the former mean? Well, if you've ever eaten Pairet's famous 'truffle burnt soup bread' (above) at his other restaurants, you've already had a bite of it. Much of Pairet's cooking style revolves around dishes that are prepared and served in states that are extraordinarily dependent on meticulous timing, meaning that by the time they reach your table, they are in the exact state Pairet envisioned.  

Did that make sense to you? Us neither. Hear it put much better from the man himself in our documentary made last year (available for streaming on ThatsMags.com/Shanghai).

We're certainly intrigued to see how Pairet's signature style would translate in casual dining.

However, fans will have to wait several months before the new Unico happens. Although the place is scheduled to reopen at the beginning of September following a kitchen upgrade for Pairet's arrival, it won't be fully unveiled until "one or two months later."

And remember folks, "a rumor is just a rumor until it's confirmed." More info as we get it.

Unico will remain closed until the beginning of September.

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