The Art of Fire: Mastering Open-Flame Cooking Techniques

18 June 2025
6 Min Read
By Chef de Cuisine Pierre Fontaine
The Art of Fire: Mastering Open-Flame Cooking Techniques

Fire is humanity's oldest cooking tool, and at Lumière, we have elevated this primal technique into a refined art form that brings out the deepest, most complex flavors in our ingredients.

The Ancient Dance of Flame and Food

Cooking over an open flame is both an art and a science. It requires intuition, experience, and a deep understanding of how heat, smoke, and time interact with different ingredients. Our custom-built wood-fired grill uses carefully selected hardwoods—oak, cherry, and applewood—each chosen for the unique flavors they impart.

The intense, direct heat of the flame creates the perfect sear, locking in juices while developing a caramelized crust that adds layers of flavor and texture. The subtle smoke infuses the food with aromatic complexity that cannot be replicated by any other cooking method.

Precision in the Flames

Mastering fire requires years of practice. Our chefs must understand the nuances of heat zones, knowing exactly where to place each ingredient for optimal results. A thick-cut ribeye needs intense, direct heat to develop its crust, while delicate vegetables require gentler, indirect warmth.

Temperature control is paramount. We monitor our grill constantly, adjusting the fuel and airflow to maintain precise heat levels. This attention to detail ensures that every dish emerges from the flames cooked to absolute perfection.

Signature Fire-Kissed Creations

Our wood-fired Wagyu beef is a testament to this technique—the exterior develops a rich, smoky char while the interior remains tender and perfectly medium-rare. The natural marbling melts into the meat, creating an incomparable richness.

We also use our open flame for vegetables, transforming simple ingredients like carrots, asparagus, and peppers into revelations of flavor. The char adds sweetness and depth, while the smoke provides an earthy complexity that elevates each bite.

Fire is not just heat—it is transformation, alchemy, and the soul of cooking distilled to its purest form.

Experience the primal pleasure of fire-cooked cuisine at Lumière, where ancient techniques meet modern culinary excellence.

Restaurant interior

Secure Your Table

Where each moment unfolds like poetry, and every flavor tells a story worth savoring

Join us for an extraordinary evening of refined gastronomy and timeless elegance

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday9:00AM - 10:00PM
Saturday and Sunday9:00AM - 12:00PM

Address

7th Arrondissement
Paris, France

"At Lumière, we don't just serve meals—we create memories that illuminate your life long after the evening ends."