Inventor of “cuisine minceur,” pioneer of “nouvelle cuisine,” and a Michelin three-star chef since 1977 at Les Prés d’Eugénie in Eugénie-les-Bains (Landes), many starred chefs, who consider him a mentor, have reacted with deep emotion to the passing of the last legend of “nouvelle cuisine” at the age of 91, praising his pioneering talent and kindness.
Alain Ducasse wrote: “My grief matches the very strong bond I had with Michel Guérard. He was my first mentor, and I owe him for guiding my first steps. It was by his side that I learned the essential values of the culinary profession. He was a pioneer and the benevolent inspirer of an entire generation. We must remember the incredible gamble he took when, in 1974 at Eugénie-les-Bains, he became the inventor of cuisine minceur. With his friends and allies of Nouvelle Cuisine, he disrupted habits and opened new perspectives. He did it his way, calmly and with a smile, without flashy displays but with consistency and perseverance, accompanied by his wife Christine. On this sad day, my thoughts are with their daughters Adeline and Éléonore, their teams, and all lovers of beauty and good taste.”
Guillaume Gomez, former chef of the Élysée, who awarded Mr. Guérard the insignia of Officer of the French Order of Gastronomic Radiance last June, wrote: “We were recently gathered for the 50th anniversary of Les Prés d’Eugénie. To celebrate this great place of French gastronomy where you did so many wonderful things for gastronomy and France. As I bid you farewell, Chef, many shared life episodes come to mind. From the kitchens of the Élysée to those of Eugénie. From duck barbecues in Bachen to the G7 in Biarritz. Our discussions, your erudition, your memory of French and world gastronomy. The honor and privilege of having known, admired, and loved the chef, the man, the comrade, the friend, the genius. It took genius to build and create what will now remain as your work, your legacy to gastronomy. Tears are flowing in kitchens around the world as your many disciples mourn. I know they will keep this legacy alive and value the products you defended and loved with passion. The foie gras producers of Landes, Saint-Sever poultry, Bazas beef… and many others lose their greatest ambassador. That smile that characterized you will be missed. In a small committee, you shared with modesty and sadness the work you and Christine had accomplished and how much you missed her. Now you are reunited for eternity. Rest in peace. My most sincere and deepest condolences to Éléonore, Adeline, your family, as well as Hugo and the Eugénie teams.”
Alexandre Couillon from La Marine in Noirmoutier simply commented: “Goodbye, my chef… thank you for everything.” While Éric Frechon, recently retired from the Bristol and a close friend, shared: “My sorrow is immense. What a great chef and what a great man. The moments we spent with him last Easter are forever etched in my memory. My tenderest thoughts go to his daughters, his family, and all the collaborators at the beautiful Maison d’Eugénie-les-Bains. Thank you, Mr. Guérard, for being an example to all of us.”
Pierre Gagnaire said: “Admiring tribute to Michel Guérard, a great poet of gastronomy.” Guy Savoy added: “Our friend Michel has gone to join the starry constellation, joining the legends of which you are now a part! Thank you, master! Thank you, Michel, for guiding us toward a new French cuisine. We are all your children! Affectionate thoughts for your two daughters and all your beautiful family. Rest in peace,” wrote Yannick Alléno. “One of the pillars of Great French Cuisine is gone. An iconic figure, he enlightened and inspired us all. Bravo, artist. Thank you, Michel, with the fond memory of your eternal smile,” signed Georges Blanc.
Jean-François Piège remarked: “I always thought that if cuisine could be awarded a Nobel Prize, Michel Guérard would undoubtedly have been the first laureate. This extraordinary man, who was as brilliant with words as with dishes, was also a mountain of humanity, kindness, and humility. He gave a new dimension to our profession, and many chefs, including myself, owe him a lot. Today he has gone to join Christine. They may perhaps sit at Pierrette’s table, where they loved to escape for an evening… I think very much of Éléonore and Adeline. I am so proud to have worked alongside him at Les Prés d’Eugénie, but my heart is grieving. My mentor has left us,” emphasized Michel Sarran from Toulouse. “Michel Guérard is a legend; the legacy he leaves to French and world cuisine is immense. With a sharp mind and extraordinary talent, he and his wife Christine shared a love for beauty and excellence. Les Prés d’Eugénie represent the quintessence of elegance and refinement for me. His kindness, benevolence, and cuisine will remain etched in my memory. My most affectionate thoughts to his family, especially his two daughters Éléonore and Adeline.”
In an open letter on her Instagram account, Anne-Sophie Pic (Valence), whose father Jacques was close to the chef, shared: “Dear Michel, beyond the culture and elegance that have always guided your work and that you chose to highlight in your relationships with others, we are so sad today to learn of your departure. From my childhood memories in Landes with my parents, there were a few mythical stops, and yours was one of them. How much admiration and friendship were expressed by my parents for the magnificent kingdom you built with your muse Christine! The upcoming birth of your beloved daughters was revealed to my parents under the sign of secrecy as the ultimate joy of your couple. Happily witnessing this sincere friendship, I later discreetly visited Couvent aux Herbes with my husband David, leaving you a letter on my departure to express all our admiration. You were a little upset… but it was soon forgotten! Thank you, Mr. Guérard, for bringing elegance, culture, and your vision of cuisine to our profession. Rest assured, we all carry a part of your legacy, your innovative vision of cuisine that we will never forget. Go in peace to join my father Jacques and all the other chefs of the eternal brigade.”
