Vegan queen
CHARLOTTE CHENEVIER • The Fat Broccoli
WORK • Friday Routine
CHARLOTTE CHENEVIER • co-founder • The Fat Broccoli
Neighborhood you work in: 8th Arr
Neighborhood you live in: Le Pré-Saint-Gervais
It’s Friday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
It depends on our professional projects with my husband Antoine. We’ve been working together for over 10 years, and just came out of an intense work phase where part of our weekends was inevitably dedicated — happily — to work. Right now, things are a bit calmer, and we can really disconnect on weekends (until the next wave comes).
It’s always a tricky balancing act, because we have three young children (4, 3, and a 1-year-old) who demand a lot of attention, and with whom we love spending time. Generally speaking, we’re a bit hyperactive, so weekends are always a delightful mix of outings and activities with the kids, along with long lunches and/or dinners with family and friends. We often find ourselves on Sunday evenings saying we can’t wait for the week to start so we can rest.
What’s on the agenda for today?
No two days are the same, and that’s what I love. What keeps me busiest is, of course, the development of The Fat Broccoli, which we envision as the first 100% veggie and sexy restaurant chain in France. We opened our first restaurant on Rue Washington in the 8th arrondissement and are currently working on the next one. There’s also a whole B2B aspect to develop, along with plenty of communication and PR work, not to mention the constant evolution of the menu and interactions with customers.
With Antoine, we’re also shareholders in a few other companies where we occasionally get involved: notably Climate House, an ecosystem bringing together many players in ecological transition in a building in the Sentier, and Paulow, a company aiming to revolutionize the professional clothing sector by focusing on French/European manufacturing and high environmental standards. We also have some real estate investments that take up a bit of our time. In short, life is rich and intense, and we rarely get bored!
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Oh yes, always! Antoine and I have had a ritual for 10 years of going on a date night once a week. Recently, we returned for the second time in two weeks to our friends’ place Maslow, who opened their third restaurant at the Carreau du Temple. It’s a marvel of good taste — both culinary and architectural — spread over three floors with a cocktail bar nestled at the top.
Last weekend, my brother and sister-in-law treated us to lunch for our birthdays at Mosuke, Mory Sacko’s acclaimed restaurant. I also dream of trying Datil this year, Manon Fleury’s restaurant, whose gentle yet refined plant-based cuisine is getting a lot of buzz!
How about a little leisure or culture this weekend?
Since the past four years, all our outings need to be kid-friendly, but luckily, Paris is full of great options. Off the top of my head: The Cité des Enfants at La Villette, Centquatre (which always has great shows and exhibitions), the Egyptian Antiquities department at the Louvre (you should have seen my son’s wide eyes in front of the sarcophagi), the Great Evolution Gallery at the Jardin des Plantes, or the Musée d’Orsay to admire Monet’s Water Lilies. In the summer, we also make it a point to spend one or two weekends picking fruits and vegetables at Ferme de Gally in the Yvelines.
Any weekend getaways?
In recent years, we’ve often gone to the Country Lodge, a domain in Perche just 1.5 hours from Paris, where you’ll find extremely cozy and well-equipped cabins. There are plenty of activities nearby, and most importantly, every morning, the kids are invited to feed the animals.
For a romantic weekend, I highly recommend Les Sources de Cheverny, near the château of the same name, 2.5 hours by car from Paris. Cozy rooms, two dining options (one Michelin-starred), a Nordic bath under the stars, and a Caudalie spa: everything you need to recharge away from the Parisian hustle.
What was your last great vacation?
Antoine and I promised ourselves to minimize flying as much as possible. The rule: one long-haul flight every three years. Our last big trip as a couple was in the summer of 2023 when we spent 10 days in Los Angeles, and I have such bright memories. Our favorites: wandering around all the restaurants and shops of the Gjusta chain, hiking to the Hollywood sign and taking in the view of the city stretching to the sea, admiring contemporary art at The Broad Museum, escaping for two days to Ojai and sipping orange wine at Rory’s Place, booking a night at the Surfrider Hotel in Malibu, and of course, an early morning surf lesson to enjoy the waves.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I treated myself to the Blue Lines outfit (pants and shirt) from Elise Chalmin, whose joyful and colorful style I adore. Perfect for summer weddings but also for workdays when worn separately.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Françoise Paris, an online shop offering vintage watches of excellent quality at very competitive prices. I found my Van Cleef & Arpels watch there, and I haven’t taken it off for a year.
Where are you donating your time or money?
I was a mentor for several years with Proxité, a charity connecting professionals with young people in precarious situations. It’s a great association fostering beautiful stories and emotions. The mentees come to their mentors’ offices, which makes things much easier. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them to become a mentor!