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Chefs pay tribute to Joël Robuchon

By Edith Hancock

Since the news broke of Joël Robuchon’s death earlier today, scores of chefs and restaurateurs have taken to social media to pay their respects.

Gordon Ramsay, who himself has been awarded 16 Michelin stars throughout his career, called Robuchon “The Godfather of Michelin.”

Jay Rayner said Robuchon will be remembered for his place in modern culinary history, with his ability to “change forever the simplest of things.”

“Robuchon changed the way a certain type of restaurant made mashed potato, by putting less potato and more butter in it.”

Danny Meyer — head of New York City-based Union Square Hospitality Group and founder of Shake Shack — called the chef a “profound inspiration.”

Momofuku group founder David Chang praised Robuchon for “changing the game” in the culinary world.

James Close, a former pro golfer turned chef at his two-Michelin-star restaurant The Raby Hunt in Durham, remembered meeting the Robuchon in Monaco, and said his achievements throughout his career “inspired a generation.”

Ritz chef and chairman of the Royal Academy of the Culinary Arts, John Williams, called him “one of the greatest.”

Eric Ripen, of New York’s Le Bernardin, said he was “devastated” to learn of the loss of his mentor, hailing him as the “ultra gifted king of all chefs.”

Claude Bosi of Bibendum in Chelsea too to Instagram to pay his respects.

Michael Wignall, two Michelin-starred chef at his eponymous restaurant in Gidleigh Park, Devon, called Robuchon “one of the greatest chefs of modern time.”

This may have been a long time ago in 94 but it was a real privilege & honor to have worked in this amazing Chefs kitchen. Yes one of the hardest chefs I have ever worked for, but the passion & love he had for his cuisine was extraordinary. He has made many great chefs from his kitchens, which is a true credit to a creative genius who inspired all of us to always push the boundaries of perfection. It’s a very sad day for all of us who have been touched by his craft & endless quest of being the best. I have many fond memories of the times in #restaurantjoelrobuchon on Avenue Poincare & with the whole team of amazing chefs who were all inspired by him to always do better. @fredericanton we will very much miss the genius he was.

A post shared by Thomas Aikens (@tomaikens) on

Many chefs, such as Thomas Aikens, took the opportunity to tell of their own personal experiences working with the restaurateur.

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