Report: Chef Joël Robuchon dead at age 73

by Kevin Gemmell,

Joël Robuchon, who collected dozens of Michelin stars and was hailed as “chef of the century” died of cancer Monday at age 73. Le Figaro newspaper had the initial report, which was later confirmed by the French government. Robuchon was in Geneva, Switzerland, at the time of his death.

“Joel Robuchon, a visionary chef who was the most starred in the world, leaves us today,” spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said in a statement. “From Paris to Shanghai, his savoir-faire was an art form that made French gastronomy shine and continues to inspire the next generation of chefs.”

The famed chef was known for breaking down the walls of haute cuisine by incorporating an atelier concept that allowed guests to see the cooks in action. As of his death, there are reportedly 26 Robuchon restaurants open. Of those, 11 are atelier concepts called L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.

Said French President Emmanuel Macron: “[Robuchon’s] 32 Michelin stars shine bright in the constellation of French gastronomy.”

As you’d expect, many shared their thoughts on social media. Here’s a sampling of what the culinary world is saying:

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