“After 20 years of cooking, I still remember my first dish I served to a customer in a Michelin-starred restaurant. I knew right away that it would be my life.”
And the world is a more delicious place for it. Yuri Szarzewski, chef of the growing family of restaurant concepts called Partage, wears his Michelin-star training with pride, even though he lives far from his native France.
Partage is one of those “if you know you know” type restaurants. Located slightly off the beaten path in Las Vegas’ Chinatown, Chef Yuri mixes all the spectacle of the Vegas Strip with the fine technique he developed in 1,2, and 3-star kitchens throughout France.
Enjoy our full profile of Chef Yuri below, and pick up some tips on cooking in Black Carbon Steel in the process.
Why Chef Yuri Reaches for Black Carbon Steel
Among Chef Yuri Szarzewski’s favorite kitchen tools? Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Cookware. He’s quick to explain why:
Even Heat for Perfect Searing
“The best way to cook a protein is in the searing. If you’re boiling meat—especially red meat—you can just throw it away!”
Carbon steel offers a consistent cooking surface—no hot spots—and holds a steady temperature, making it ideal for getting that golden, caramelized crust on meats and vegetables alike- from asparagus to sweetbreads to foie gras.
Naturally Nonstick With Use
“You don’t have to scrub them down after every step. Just wipe and keep cooking. The leftover flavor builds and deepens—it’s part of the process.”
With proper seasoning, black carbon steel becomes naturally nonstick—without any synthetic coatings. That’s a major plus for health-conscious cooks.
Oven-Safe Design
“The handle is carbon steel too. So you can go straight from stovetop to oven. The pan maintains the same temperature throughout.”
That versatility makes carbon steel perfect for finishing steaks, roasting vegetables, or even baking frittatas and tarts.
Craftsmanship That Lasts
Chef Yuri specifically recommends Matfer Bourgeat, our heritage French brand known for quality and craftsmanship.
“They’re handcrafted in France. Made with love, by a company that has been around for a really long time. For me, that makes a big difference.”
