Auguste Escoffier

Auguste Escoffier (28 October 1846 – 12 February 1935) was a French chef, restaurateur and culinary writer who popularized and updated traditional French cooking methods. He is a legendary figure among chefs and gourmets, and was one of the most important leaders in the development of modern French cuisine.

Early life

Escoffier was born in the village of Villeneuve-Loubet, today in Alpes-Maritimes, near Nice, in 1846. His father, a blacksmith, arranged for his thirteen-year-old son to work in one of the better restaurants in Nice.

Career

In 1865, Escoffier moved to Paris where he worked in several restaurants before opening his own. In 1890, he was invited to London by César Ritz to become the chef at the Savoy Hotel. There, Escoffier introduced the "à la carte" menu and the practice of serving meals in courses rather than all at once, a practice that is still followed in restaurants today.

Escoffier also worked to simplify and modernize French cooking by reducing the use of heavy sauces and emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients. His books, particularly Le Guide Culinaire, are still used as reference in the culinary world today.

Legacy

Escoffier's impact on the culinary world is immeasurable. His innovations, such as the modern kitchen brigade system, are still in use today. He also helped to elevate the status of cooking from a laborer's task to an artist's craft.

Escoffier was also a pioneer in food conservation. He worked with the Nestlé company to create a method of canning peaches that is still used today. He also created many famous dishes, such as Peach Melba and Tournedos Rossini.

See also

• French cuisine
• Haute cuisine
• List of French chefs

References

• Le Guide Culinaire
• Ma Cuisine