Posted by Francois de Melogue on May 28, 1998 at 08:10:26:
In Reply to: So, who are the great chefs? posted by Rich on May 27, 1998 at 21:18:13:
Howdy:
Let me divide the Chefs I look up to into two catagories, deceased and living... For the great old Chefs I would list everyone from Careme, Soyer, Gouffe, Urbain Dubois, Blot, Escoffier, Charles Ranhofer, Ali-Bab, F. Point, Alain Chapel... I think you can find a lot of solid technique, theory, and cuisine from these greats of yesteryear. There influences are felt still today... For the living I think everyone ought to study Joel Robuchon. I did a stage for him two years ago. The man is the ultimate perfectionist. He is by and far the greatest Chef walking the earth now. His cuisine is completely flawless. I also like Georges Blanc, Raymond Blanc, Marco Pierre White, Pierre Koffman, the Roux brothers, Nico Ladenis, Alain Senderens, etc. Their techniques are very impressive. I think you should take your remote and and say bam to Foodtv. I have yet to see a show worth watching on there. I think Emeril is laughing all the way to the bank. Foodtv is a mockery of what professional Chefs do. As far as Los Angeles... I am not aware of any restaurants worth noting - not that there aren't any it just not my favorite kind of style. Now if you were near New York I would send you to Lespinasse (Gray Kunz is awesome), Jean Georges, la Cote Basque, le Cirque, etc. etc. etc.
Best of Luck,
Francois