On the evening of February 24 2003, an astounding story broke into French radio and TV news bulletins, then raced around the world: Bernard Loiseau, France's most famous chef, had committed suicide. More than a surprise, it was simply unbelievable, because he was a man who had everything: a super luxurious hotel and restaurant holding three stars, the highest rating of the Michelin guide; media star status at home and an enviable reputation worldwide for the daring cuisine des essences he had invented; a great staff, ...
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On the evening of February 24 2003, an astounding story broke into French radio and TV news bulletins, then raced around the world: Bernard Loiseau, France's most famous chef, had committed suicide. More than a surprise, it was simply unbelievable, because he was a man who had everything: a super luxurious hotel and restaurant holding three stars, the highest rating of the Michelin guide; media star status at home and an enviable reputation worldwide for the daring cuisine des essences he had invented; a great staff, entirely devoted to his cause; an attractive loyal wife and three beautiful young children. He was on top of the world, and yet he chose to end it all or was it was because he was on top of the world? Enigma.
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Add this copy of The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine to cart. $1.25, fair condition, Sold by Once Upon A Time Books rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tontitown, AR, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Gotham.
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Fair. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear. It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear. It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket.
Add this copy of The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine to cart. $1.99, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Gotham Books.
Add this copy of The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine to cart. $1.99, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Gotham Books.
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This item is in overall good condition. Covers and dust jackets are intact but may have minor wear including slight curls or bends to corners as well as cosmetic blemishes including stickers. Pages are intact but may have minor highlighting/ writing. Binding is intact; however, spine may have slight wear overall. Minor shelf wear overall. Please note that all items are donated goods and are in used condition. Orders shipped Monday through Friday! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine to cart. $2.44, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Gotham Books.
Add this copy of The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine to cart. $2.44, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Gotham Books.
Add this copy of The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine to cart. $2.44, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Gotham Books.
Add this copy of The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine to cart. $2.44, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Gotham Books.
Add this copy of The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine to cart. $2.44, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Gotham Books.
Lots of insightful information on the development and growth of French Haute Cuisine. Mr. Chelminski does a great job taking the history of French cuisine and ties it in with Bernard Loiseau, the French chef who reached a pinnacle of success but took his own life. Mr. Chelmenski relates the pressures, expectations and desires each chef looking to be recognized by Michelin experiences.
schermie
Jan 22, 2009
Ambition, success, tragedy, history
Bernard Loiseau began like most good French chefs, as the kitchen helper of the best chef who would hire him. Competition among chefs for good ratings in the Michelin Red Guide was fierce, with a three-star the most coveted.
Loiseau, coming into his own as a chef, successfully navigated the competition, becoming a national star, awarded the Legion of Honor, and appearing on television. His famous restaurant in Saulieu, transforming a decade hotel into a superb inn, was visited by the rich and famous, and cemented his reputation. But his reputation was built on a type of cuisine.
In time, when tastes changed and younger chefs made their names in new recipes, the trade began to lag. Despite a good business, Loiseau could not stand the humiliation of being reduced to only two Michelin stars, and comitted suicide. But his brilliant wife, Dominique, and his prize-winning chef, Patrick Bertron, carried on and operate the inn and restaurant today. An excellent read by a prominent American writer who has lived in France for thirty years.
