Yi Zhang

Born in 1993 and trained in both China and France, Chef Zhang has worked in renowned restaurants including Restaurant TOYO (Paris), Restaurant TOYO (Beijing), Willa (Beijing), and Restaurant Initial (Tokyo)。 Guided by celebrated masters such as Nakayama Toyomitsu and pastry chef Kenzo Sato, she has developed a culinary voice that is technically refined yet quietly soulful — where French precision meets the subtle, poetic sensibility of Chinese cuisine. Her philosophy centres on 自然与本味 — nature and original flavor — allowing ingredients to speak in their most truthful form. Whether she’s shaping delicate dumplings, sculpting seasonal vegetables, or composing desserts like art installations, her dishes carry a calm, intuitive beauty: thoughtful, restrained, yet emotionally resonant. For our final evening together, Chef Zhang will prepare a multi-course dinner designed as an offering — a gentle celebration of the land, the season, and the time we have shared. It is a meal not only to nourish the body, but to complete the retreat with grace, warmth, and quiet joy.