Joel Robuchon

[epicuric]

Death announced yesterday, another great chef lost this year.

Achieved more Michelin stars than anyone else, ever (31!) and also famed for perfecting mashed potato (allegedly with 50% butter) and for throwing a plate at a young Gordon Ramsey.

 

[Morning Glory]

I feel guilty that I do not know of him. Which probably goes to show my main knowledge of Chefs is based on TV and/or Cookery books I own.

 

[Morning Glory]

I looked him up. Here is a lovely quote and perhaps one we could all use:

The older I get, the more I realize the truth is: the simpler the food, the more exceptional it can be. I never try to marry more than three flavors in one dish. I like walking into a kitchen and knowing that the dishes are identifiable and the ingredients within them easy to detect.

 

[Morning Glory]

...of course I could shoot holes in that statement (for example, Indian cuisine marries multiple layers of flavour). Nevertheless, I love this quote and it holds true of many great dishes.

 

[Duck59]

Apparently, it was a plate of ravioli that he threw at Ramsey. Worth a medal, I'd say.