Julien Mercer

The Essentials Mercer’s career history includes Claudine, where his current title is executive chef, a role that places him at the center of the restaurant’s culinary identity. The specialty attached to his work is French cooking, and it is through that lens that his food at Claudine takes shape: refined without feeling stiff, rooted in technique but meant to be enjoyed in the moment. The project that best captures this approach is La Petite Terrace, the named signature project positioned as a food truck outside the restaurant. In concept and execution, it extends the experience beyond the dining room, offering gourmet light bites and refreshing cocktails in a format that feels breezier and more immediate, all while remaining anchored to the apéro ritual. The effect is less like a side offering and more like a scene in itself: a place to pause, sip, and graze, with French dining culture translated into a more casual, outdoor register. La Petite Terrace, launched in 2023, adds another layer to Mercer's work at Claudine, signaling an interest not only in flavor but in atmosphere, timing, and the pleasures of conviviality.

Signature

Julien's signature dishes include La Petite Terrace, Tomato & Mustard Tartelette, and Singapore Spritz. Together, they sketch the contours of his culinary style: one project-led and experiential, one crisp and composed, and one drink that suggests brightness and lift. La Petite Terrace stands as the most expansive expression of his signature, while Tomato & Mustard Tartelette carries the quiet appeal of something delicate and considered. Singapore Spritz, meanwhile, brings a sparkling, refreshing note to the mix, rounding out a signature that feels designed for ease as much as elegance.