Tributes from chefs for Alain Senderens who has died aged 77

The Staff Canteen

Alain Senderens, leading French chef and a founder of the Nouvelle Cuisine movement, has died aged 77, at his home in Corrèze.

Ranked as one of France’s top chefs for decades, Alain held on to a prized  three Michelin star rating for 28 years, at his restaurant L'Archestrate.  However, he shocked the culinary establishment in 2005, when he repudiated his stars in search of a more affordable and less formal style of dining.

As a founder of the Nouvelle Cuisine movement, Alain was renowned for his unique combination dishes, even if they did upset the world of French gastronomy. His menu included lobster with vanilla and his famous Apicius duck dish, inspired by an ancient Roman recipe. After causing uproar by serving wine with cheese, Le Figaro then credited Alain as the creator of food and wine pairings.

The Guardian reports that food critic, Gilles Pudlowski, has paid his condolences to Alain, via his blog, writing: “He was one of the last great creators of Paris. This creator was a visionary. We will never forget you dear Alain. We miss you already.”

Chefs have also paid tribute to the legendary French chef across social media today. 

@chefpoirotbkk - "Very sad day for the food industry and gastronomy today, RIP Mr Alain Senderens. Inventor of the wine pairing, co-creater of the "nouvelle cuisine", a legend who gave me my 1st position of head chef 11 years ago."

By Alice Lewis

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 27th June 2017

Tributes from chefs for Alain Senderens who has died aged 77