Eric Ripert is an internationally renowned chef, author, and television personality who has made a name for himself on the global gastronomic scene as co-owner of New York City's renowned Le Bernardin restaurant.
Born in Antibes on march 2 1965, Eric Ripert developed a passion for cooking at an early age, inspired by his mother. After his parents separated, he moved to Andorra, where he continued to cultivate his interest. At the age of 15, he decided to enroll in a cooking school in Perpignan, France.
At 17, he moved to Paris, where he began his professional career at La Tour d'Argent, one of the city's oldest and most prestigious restaurants. He then worked under legendary Joël Robuchon at Jamin, where he was quickly promoted to chef poissonier, honing his skills in fish preparation.
In 1989, Ripert moved to the United States, starting as sous-chef at the Jean Louis restaurant in the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. This experience provided him with a valuable opportunity to adapt to the american palate while maintaining his roots.
Two years later, in 1991, he moved to New York to work as sous chef under David Bouley. The turning point came when Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze recruited him for Le Bernardin, their seafood restaurant. After Gilbert's untimely death in 1994, Ripert took over as executive chef and the following year, at the age of 29, earned a four-star rating from the New York Times, an outstanding accolade for a young boy.
Under Eric's leadership, Le Bernardin has continued to receive accolades. In 2005, the restaurant was awarded three Michelin stars in the inaugural edition of the New York Michelin Guide and has maintained this prestigious status in subsequent years. The restaurant has also been awarded the highest rating of four stars by the New York Times for six consecutive occasions, a record of consistent excellence.
In addition to his work in the kitchen, Ripert is a prominent figure in the culinary media. He has served as a guest judge on television shows such as Top Chef and frequently collaborated with the late Anthony Bourdain on No Reservations and Parts Unknown. He also hosted his own show, Avec Eric, which won two Daytime Emmy Awards.
Committed to community service, Ripert is vice chairman of the board of directors of City Harvest, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in New York City by working with chefs and restaurateurs to raise funds and increase the quality and quantity of food donations for those most in need.
