Sunday Reads: Why Joël Robuchon Really Is the World’s Top Chef

With 26 Michelin Stars under his belt, Chef Joël Robuchon is at the pinnacle of the global cuisine game. In February, the 70-year-old chef will make a rare South Beach Wine & Food Festival appearance hosting a sold-out $1,500-a-seat dinner. Miamians wanting more of Robuchon are about to get it in the form of three restaurants: L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, La Boutique and Le Bar that will be opening in the Miami Design District by year’s end.

How did you get your start in the culinary industry?
Well you know, I began cooking not because of a love of cooking but because my parents told me that if I learned to cook, at least I would never go hungry! Growing up in post-war France, we did not have access to what a lot of families have today. I started cooking in a seminary, working with the nuns to prepare food for everyone there; this was by no means the type of cuisine that is now seen in my restaurants. I peeled potatoes, tomatoes, etc. but it was during this time that I learned that I wanted to cook – that I wanted to make something that could make people happy.