Joël Robuchon (1945-2018) is known for revolutionizing French cuisine and amassing the most Michelin stars in the world. His career was marked by innovation, mentorship, and a constant quest for gastronomic excellence.
Born in Poitiers, France, on April 7, 1945, Joël Robuchon came from a modest family; his father was a bricklayer. Initially considering a career in the church, he attended the minor seminary in Mauléon-sur-Sèvre, where he discovered his passion for cooking by helping the nuns prepare meals. At the age of 15, he decided to pursue this coveted career, starting as an apprentice pastry chef at the Relais de Poitiers.
At 21, he joined the Compagnon du Tour de France, an association that allowed him to travel and learn different regional techniques. At 29, he became head chef at the Hôtel Concorde La Fayette in Paris, where he managed a brigade of 90 people. In 1976, he was awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France for his mastery.
In 1981, he opened his restaurant Jamin in Paris, which received three Michelin stars in its first three years of operation, an extraordinary achievement. In 1984, it was named the Best Restaurant in the World by the International Herald Tribune. In 1989, Gault Millau named him Chef of the Century.
Robuchon played a key role in the training of several international celebrities, including Gordon Ramsay, Eric Ripert and Michael Caines. Concerned about the stress of the profession, he retired in 1995 at the age of 50, but made a triumphant comeback by opening a series of restaurants scattered even abroad. He accumulated a total of 32 Michelin stars, the highest number ever.
Joël was known for his philosophy, which emphasized simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients. His famous mashed potatoes, prepared with a generous amount of butter, became iconic. In addition to running his businesses, he participated in numerous culinary television programs, helping to spread gastronomic culture to the general public.
Robuchon died of pancreatic cancer on August 6, 2018, in Geneva, Switzerland, at the age of 73. His legacy continues to influence new generations.
