Joël Robuchon: 7 things to know from our visit in Montreal

Joël Robuchon was in Montreal and we took the opportunity to interview him. What a humble and kind chef and what a pleasure to see him so impressed with Quebecers!

Here are 10 things to know about the world-renowned chef:

Joël Robuchon has earned more Michelin Stars than any other chef in the world: he has over 30 in total. The chef was awarded the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” in 1976, “Chef of the Year” in 1987, and “Chef of the Century” in 1990, and his restaurant “Joël Robuchon” won the title of “Best Restaurant in the World”.
He was born on April 7, 1945 in Poitiers, France. Son of a mason, he first wanted to devote himself to the service of God (!).
His first restaurant, Le Jamin, opened in 1981 and received its first Michelin star in its first year of operation. With this restaurant, the young Joël Robuchon is the first chef in the history of gastronomy to receive three Michelin stars in three years — his first three years of existence!
The first Atelier de Joël Robuchon opened in Paris and simultaneously in Tokyo in 2003. Mr. Robuchon now has L’Atelier restaurants in Paris, Tokyo, Las Vegas, New York, London, Hong Kong, Taipei, the Publicis Drugstore, Singapore, Bangkok, and Shanghai.
Mr. Robuchon loved products from Quebec! “I find Quebecois products extraordinary. They are top notch. How lucky we are to find such a variety of products of such high quality. We French are chauvinistic, but the cheeses from Quebec are remarkable. I also love the Boileau deer; a delight! And the scallops, lamb, veal, beef… I am very impressed.”
Monsieur Robuchon first came to Montreal thirty years ago. “I had fallen in love with the fiddleheads. What a delight!”
Monsieur Robuchon has been touched by the kindness and passion of the Quebecers he has met since his arrival. “I thought people were putting up a front when I arrived, they were all so nice. But I understand that Quebecers are really like that, it’s not a facade, they are really all extremely nice. It’s different from home. I am touched by the passion of the people here. When I gave my first speech, there were people crying with emotion! It’s very flattering, I’m spoiled.”

Written by Sophie Monkman