Award-winning local Chef William Bradley lends talent to new Bijou French Bistro

Award-winning Chef William Bradley – executive chef and director of Addison, the signature-dining venue at The Grand Del Mar – is lending his talent to another eatery operated by the resort: Bijou French Bistro in La Jolla. The new restaurant, which opened June 27 on 1205 Prospect Street at the former site of Amaya La Jolla, features classic French bistro fare.

Since he opened Addison eight years ago, Bradley has garnered much acclaim for his artisanal approach to contemporary French haute cuisine. Now, collaborating with Bijou French Bistro Chef de Cuisine Shaun Gethin, who most recently served as the sous chef at Addison, Bradley presents his preferences for tried-and-true classic French bistro favorites.

Bradley, one of only 160 chefs in the world and 17 in the U.S. to receive the designation of Grand Chef from Relais & Châteaux, is thrilled to lend his expertise to La Jolla’s newest restaurant. He provides insight into his daily life and his culinary philosophy below.

Why did you decide to become a chef?

I was very fortunate to fall into this profession at a young age, and I immediately had a great passion for it. So, being a chef has always been a natural fit, one that I consider a gift that life has given to me.

What has been your most memorable experience as a chef?

Receiving the Robb Report Culinary Masters award nomination from Chef Thomas Keller. Winning this competition was just icing on the cake.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

French Chef Alain Chapel, Tool lead singer Maynard James Keenan, Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese soccer manager José Mourinho, American fashion designer Tom Ford, The Dalai Lama, my wife and my mother.

Who/what inspires you?

I’m always inspired by Mother Nature and enjoy creating seasonal dishes with ingredients that are available.

What are your five favorite movies?

Pulp Fiction, Ratatouille, Gladiator, Forrest Gump, and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

What is it that you most dislike?

Idle chatter in the kitchen

What is your most prized possession?

My daughter

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy playing golf and cycling is also a favorite fun activity.

What is your motto?

Always taste and enjoy the food that is prepared for you or you prepare yourself

What would be your dream vacation?

Relaxing on the beach at One&Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas – it is truly one of my favorite places in the world.