Why Düsseldorf?
In late 2022, Olivier Grosjean became the founder and owner of the delicatessen “Chez Olivier”. At Hermannstraße 24 in Flingern, he presents selected natural and organic wines, champagne, raw milk cheeses from the Haut-Doubs as well as artisanal delicatessen products – all of which come with an intriguing tale, because Olivier gets the products from trusted contacts in his native France, which he regularly travels to. Olivier made Düsseldorf his home, however, some 20 years ago.
What makes Düsseldorf so special?
Düsseldorf is a very beautiful city where the influence of other cultures, for example Asian or Italian, is noticeable. I like that. And I like the people, it's very easy to strike up a conversation here.
Why is Düsseldorf exactly the right place for French delicatessen?
I arrived here when I left France about 20 years ago. Very importantly, Düsseldorf is very Francophile and oriented towards quality. My maxim is to source all products directly from France and offer them at fair prices. The response is great. People are happy to come to my shop – and they are very open. That goes for the young as well as the older customers. I love to greet them with a “Bonjour”. Many enjoy that and make an effort to answer in French as well. That is great. They feel comfortable here and show emotion. As an emotional person that appeals to me, of course.
Where do you get your inspiration in the city?
I get culinary inspiration mainly in specialist supermarkets, for example Turkish or Asian ones. I also like to go for walks along the Rhine. The city has a lot of greenery and very different sides to offer: on the one hand a modern shopping street like the Kö, on theother a lot of tradition – and a lot of culture. It's a great mix of trends and styles that I find really inspiring.
What do you associate with the city in terms of cuisine?
First and foremost, I think of the traditional German cuisine in the breweries. Then the Japanese cuisine. I used to travel a lot in Germany and I can say that Düsseldorf is the city where you can eat the best Japanese food. Sure, there are French restaurants too, and there is plenty of bistro feeling around as well.
I meet interesting people here
Mostly right here in my shop or around the corner in the café “Oma Erika”. It’s a meeting place for young and older people alike. I like that a lot and it's typical for Flingern. And of course on Carlsplatz. There are lots of vendors there, it has the smell of a proper market – just like in my home town. I take a deep breath and savour it.
A perfect day in Düsseldorf
Getting up early, go running and have breakfast. Then to the warehouse and prepare the boutique. From the moment the shop opens, the day just flies by. In the evening, I like to meet friends or go out for a bite to eat.
Düsseldorf in three words...
You. are. cute. •
Words: Dominic Deden
Pictures Andreas Endermann