As you read this, the new-look Brasserie Blanc will be doubtless be rustling up something suitably mouth-watering for customers at its base in the heart of Milton Keynes.
The Avebury Boulevard eatery is fresh from an extensive renovation which makes a visit even more tempting - and you don't need to wait until lunchtime before reaching for the menu.
Brasserie Blanc will now serve you a scrumptious breakfast. Yes, please!
And comfort is at the fore - the decor has been inspired by Raymond's own kitchen, a haven where friends and family join him to celebrate and engage with authentic French food.
The white crockery and tablecloths are out, replaced by handmade ceramics, tapestry and natural linens.
"We have taken away the formality and created a much more welcoming feeling so you can be comfortable just popping in for a coffee or breakfast as well as lunch or dinner," Raymond told Total MK.
"We are aiming for, as the French would say, a feeling of 'chez nous' - the idea that guests are 'coming over to ours' to somewhere they can really feel at home - no standing on ceremony.
Doubtless it is the Blanc name that draws in customers for the first time. But what is it that sets BB apart from other restaurants and makes them want to return?
"...the seasonality and freshness of our menu coupled with the professional service that guests receive from all levels within the company set us apart from our competitors.
"Despite the rapid growth in recent years, we are still very close-knit, like family.
"We also support local suppliers where possible and are very much a part of the local community," Raymond says.
"It is this sense of family that I think our guests feel when they walk into one of our brasseries."
And Raymond isn't just there in the name above the door and to press the flesh at launches.
There are 20 restaurants that make up his dining empire, and Raymond keeps close tabs on them all.
"Each project is very close to my heart and there is discussion at every stage in the process about the character of each site and what we want to achieve.
"I work very closely with our fantastic group executive chef, Clive Fretwell, who worked with me at La Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and has been at Brasserie Blanc now for 13 years to create incredible dishes at affordable prices," he promises.
After a long, hard day at work the thought of making posh nosh is a thought too many for us.
Cheese on toast will do us fine. But does Raymond ever stoop so low?
Would our world class chef and interviewee perhaps consider making something straight from the packet, dare we ask?
"There are days when I am ready to drop, but it is never too much effort to toss a steak on the grill and rustle up some pommes frites," he says.
"If even that is beyond me then I am lucky enough to have the option of dropping into our Oxford brasserie for a quick bite!"
Brasserie Blanc is located at 301 Avebury Boulevard.
For bookings call 01908 546590 or visit www.brasserieblanc.com/locations/milton-keynes
