For the first time in more than 50 years, the “Macho” Michelin restaurant guide has given its top three-star ranking to a woman chef.
French chef Anne-Sophie Pic, shown in the center, celebrates with her husband (right) and staff after becoming the first female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars since 1968.
The French world of haute cuisine has never been known for its open-arm policy of welcoming women chefs. But last week there was a major break-through in the “Old Boys Club” when Anne-Sophie Pic, the third-generation chef at Pic, in Valence, France, became the fourth (and only current woman) to have earned the coveted three Michelin stars.
She’s following in the footsteps of both her father and grandfather who each had earned three stars for La Maison Pic, which dates back to 1889. However, she brings her own soft, feminine expression to the cuisine, which can be seen in one of her favorite fish preparations: Freshly caught sea bass steamed over wakame kelp, served with gillardeau oyster bonbons, cucumber chutney and vodka and lemon butter sauce.
Unlike many of her male counterparts, the soft-spoken 37-year-old chef actually listens to her purveyors and works closely with local fishermen, market gardeners and farmers who provide her with knowledge that enables her to highlight the very essence of the product.
The 2007 Michelin Red Guides for France and for Paris went on sale last week.
By Vagablond’s Token Redhead.