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MANILA, Philippines - Who is the French chef known as one of the greatest chef’s of all time? His Michelin-star restaurants include Moulin de Mougins and L’ Amandier.
He was born in Commentry, Central France on April 7, 1930. He developed his love of cooking from his aunt Celestine, to whom he dedicated several of his books.
He used to watch his aunt prepare family Sunday dinners in the kitchen of their home. Soon, he was helping her make the special meals and learned traditional recipes.
After training in the Tour d’Argent and the Plaza Athenee, he went to North Africa and Kenya to develop his culinary skills. Back in France, he worked with the Hotel de Paris in Monaco and Le Club Chevalier in the Cote de Azur. It was there that his Cuisine ue Soeill was born.
Cuisine de Soleil or Cuisine of the Sun is his distinct style of cooking that has its roots in Provencal traditional cuisine. The focus of his style is fresh ingredients, which is a departure from cuisine classique.
His style of cooking and food preparation is often compared to impressionist paintings. He creates masterpieces from fresh, bright and luscious flavors of the Mediterranean using a broad brush technique. He find inspiration from coastal peasant food, beginning with fresh and earthy foods like garlic, cheese, herbs, game and wine and refine these ingredients into sophisticated haute cuisine that is never overwhelming or pretentious.
He opened Moulin de Mougins in 1969 together with his wife Denise. The restaurant received its first Michelin star in 1970, the second in 1972, and the third in 1974. Another restaurant, l’Amadier had two Michelin stars at one point.
Along with Paul Bocuse, Gaston Lenotre and the Troisgrois brothers, he is credited for inventing nouvelle cuisine.
He has received numerous honors for his work. He was made Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 1972 and Chevalier of the Legion of Honor as well as Mairtre Cuisiner de France, both in 1987.
He retired from cooking in 2003. The brand Cuisine du Soleil today lives on in oils, eaux de vie, herbs, teas and many other food stuff.
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Last week’s question: Who is the Italian designer known for his projects for luxury fashion brands: Ermenegildo Zegna’s corporate headquarters in Milan, Bulgari Hotels in Milan and Bali; the Cerruti flagship store in New York?
Answer: Antonio Citterio
Winner: Maria Leonora del Pilar of Makati City
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Text your answer to 0905-3471998 with your name and address. One winner will be chosen through a raffle of texts with the correct answer. The winner will receive P2,000 worth of SM gift certificates for use at Our Home, SM Department Store, or SM Supermarket. They can claim their prize at Our Home in SM Megamall. Call the store manager at 634-1943. Bring photocopies of two valid IDs and a clipping of the Design Quiz issue in which you appear as winner.
