09/17/2026
Bonjour, Chef!
Meet our Partner-Chef, Sébastien Giannini.
Originally from Toulon in the South of France, Chef Sébastien has called Washington, DC home for the past 10 years and is now a proud American citizen.
Before putting down roots in DC, he led five-star kitchens in France, Germany and Montreal, building an international career grounded in French technique and Mediterranean cooking.
Today, in addition to leading the kitchen at L’Avant-Garde, Sébastien serves as President of Disciples Escoffier USA. One of his greatest passions is passing on the skills, discipline and knowledge required for an international culinary career to the next generation of chefs. Over the years, he has coached culinary talent competing at the highest levels around the world, including the Bocuse d’Or.
But ask Chef what his favorite food is and the answer is much simpler.
The food his grandmother made growing up in Toulon. Provençal and French Riviera dishes made with beautiful ingredients, cooked simply and meant to be shared around a table.
That philosophy still finds its way onto the menu at L’Avant-Garde today.
Next time you see Chef in the dining room, be sure to say bonjour!
