Food, People and Art
When you speak to restauranter Michel Buthion, you know that he loves people, food, and art. So, it's not surprising that these three elements are the heart of the celebrated French restaurant La Baguette Bistro he and his brother, Chef Alain, built. What began with the purchase of a quaint Oklahoma City bakery has grown into an acclaimed restaurant, butcher shop and deli, fine wine store, and boutique market. Every aspect of the culinary ecosystem illuminates the Buthion's passion for their family history, Oklahoma City community, French cuisine, and original art.
Michel's Oklahoma story began 40 years ago when he flew from France to visit a friend living in the state. He believed Oklahoma City was the center of the world, so it was a place he had to explore. He had come from a program in Grenoble and traveled all over the state before overextending his visa. However, after flying back to France, he quickly renewed his visa to return to Oklahoma City, marry, and work at a hotel. Seven years later, his brother Alain, an accomplished chef who worked all over France, joined him in the city to begin building a family legacy.
La Baguette Bistro was a French bakery and pastry shop well-known for its delicious creations when Michel and Chef Alain took it over. The bakery did not offer many tables, so patrons entered, bought their baked goods, and exited as quickly as they came. Michel wanted to cultivate community and connection, so he added tables that invited customers to spend more time and have an experience. Before long, the brothers developed the entire shopping strip into a multifaceted food establishment that expressed their family history and shared everything Michel and Alain loved. "Our parents had a boucherie. Our grandparents had a restaurant and bar in France, so we wanted to bring this family history to La Baguette," states Michel. In addition, they opened the Buthion Fine Food & Wine Shop so their clients could quickly fill their fridges with the best French wine, pre-made meals, and gourmet meals that their restaurant offered. They considered all aspects of the culinary experience, from breakfast to dessert and everything you needed to create your own at home. However, one missing element was vital to sharing the talent and beauty of the community with their clients: local art.
Michel spent countless hours in Paris museums and loved studying art growing up in France. In addition, he enjoyed painting and loved drawing during his free time. Legendary crooner, Tony Bennett, once recognized Michel's artistic talents after meeting him during a performance visit to Oklahoma City. Michel sketched the classic hotel the singer enjoyed staying at while in the city, and Tony, a talented artist in his own right, loved the picture so much that he asked him to sign it. Michel will never forget how he and Tony shared good wine, played dice, and talked well into the night about their passion for art.
Michel believes nothing pairs better with people than delicious food, wine, and original art. His passion for art and supporting the community inspired him to offer the bistro walls to local artists eager to share their work. "I wanted to give the artists the walls and allow them the freedom to present their expression where they feel it fits best," states Michel. The Oklahoma City artist community embraced his invitation, and over the last several decades, hundreds of artists have hung their work on the bistro walls. Now there is a long waiting list for enthusiastic creators waiting their turn. "I love seeing different media on the wall and sharing the original work with our customers," states Michel. This passion for celebrating local artists has led to a one-of-a-kind collaboration with Objets Trouvés over the next two months.
Michel met Objets Trouvés owner Susan McCalmont through a dear companion that brought him to the gallery to view an exhibition. Michel immediately connected with Susan's passion for thinking big and doing things differently in Oklahoma City. He recognized that her intention to use art to foster community and meaningful connection is what he is doing with cuisine in his restaurant. Before long, the two visionaries developed an idea that blends the best of both worlds in an exclusive Objets Trouvés exhibition at La Baguette Bistro.
From mid-June to mid-August, La Baguette customers can experience a unique restaurant exhibition featuring original artwork by contemporary artists from Objets Trouvés. Susan has curated each piece to stimulate the diner's visual senses while enjoying Chef Alain's delightful creations. Michel is thrilled to welcome his customers to a rare experience where a collection of artists from a reputable gallery can share their stunning works. In addition, the artists are excited to have the additional exposure in a non-traditional setting where 14,000 – 16,000 customers frequent each month.
For Michel, La Baguette Bistro is more than a restaurant. It is a place where people come to connect and create a memorable experience through different creative languages. Chef Alain expresses himself through his delectable dishes, the winemakers through wine, and the artists in their artwork. Each element touches the customers differently but makes for a memorable event. Michel recognizes that some of the artwork on the walls can evoke diverse reactions from his customers. But, he believes, "The important thing is that it creates a reaction."
Michel is always at the front of the restaurant to witness his customers' reactions. He loves greeting his clients and inviting them into the space he's worked tirelessly with his brother to create. Even though Michel is humble about his drawing and culinary skills, it is undeniable that he is a brilliant creator of community and curator of meaningful connections. He has cherished watching the people in the city grow over the years since he and chef Alain became owners. From celebratory dinners to a casual Sunday brunch, each event always brings the Oklahoma City community together in the establishment beneath its iconic Eiffel Tower. While some restaurateurs believe the food and service are essential to a dining experience, Michel knows people, food, and art make it unforgettable.
We invite you to visit the Objets Trouvés website to learn more about the La Baguette Bistro collaboration with Objets Trouvés.
