The Culinary World Reflects on the Passing of French Chef Michel Guérard at 91

The hospitality industry is mourning the loss of Michel Guérard, the legendary French chef who passed away at the age of 91. News of his passing, announced yesterday, prompted an outpouring of tributes from chefs and industry professionals worldwide, who took to social media to honour his profound influence on the world of gastronomy.

Michel Guérard was best known for his restaurant, Les Prés d’Eugénie, located in southwestern France, which has held three Michelin stars for over 45 years. He was a pioneer of nouvelle cuisine, a culinary movement that revolutionised French cooking by focusing on lighter, healthier dishes and elevating the artistry of presentation.

The Roux Scholarship, reflecting on Michel's passing, shared on Instagram: "We are deeply saddened to learn that the legendary chef Michel Guérard has passed away at the age of 91. Chef Guérard played a significant role in The Roux Scholarship several times, first in welcoming our very first Roux Scholar Andrew Fairlie for the inaugural prize stage, and then in 2005 Roux Scholar Matthew Tomkinson also did his stage at Les Prés d’Eugénie. In 2018, we were delighted to welcome him as our Honorary President of Judges, when he helped choose our winner that year, Martin Carabott."

La Liste, the prestigious restaurant guide, also paid tribute: "We say goodbye to Michel Guérard, a true visionary of French cuisine who passed away at 91 years old. From his humble beginnings in a small Parisian bistro to becoming the first chef on Time magazine’s cover, Guérard transformed the culinary world with his innovative approach to cooking."

Renowned chefs echoed these sentiments. Sat Bains, the two Michelin-starred chef-patron of Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, posted on Instagram: "Sad day today. A passing of chef legend Michel Guérard. So honoured to have met him as the Honorary Guest Judge of the 2018 Roux Scholarship. You’ll be in good company together again with Andrew [Fairlie], Michel [Roux Senior], and Albert [Roux]."

Tom Aikens from Michelin-starred restaurant Muse by Tom Aikens also reflected: "Very sad to see Michel Guérard has passed away … A true legend of a chef, one of the greats! The founder of nouvelle cuisine, and the inventor of cuisine minceur, a true innovator & inspiration of his time."

Roux Scholar and chef patron of The Elephant, Simon Hulstone added his voice to the tributes: "From dining at the legendary Les Prés d’Eugénie in 2003 whilst on my Roux Scholarship prize to judging with Chef Michel in 2018. A man who holds so much respect in our industry."

Michel Guérard’s legacy as a culinary pioneer and a beloved figure in the world of gastronomy will undoubtedly endure, as the industry remembers a true legend.