Recognising the huge contributions of hospitality and culinary professionals from across the world on the 5th International Hospitality Day, the International Hospitality Council (IHC) in association with the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) inducted Chef Raymond Blanc, OBE, into the Hall of Fame.
He was inducted into the IHC’s esteemed Hall of Fame for the year 2020. With the whole world under lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, IHC announced the award at an e-conclave. Though not physically handed over to the iconic chef, the Hall of Fame awardee’s name was declared online in the presence of hospitality experts, Michelin-starred chefs and even Young Chef Olympiad mentors from almost 60 countries of the world.
Chef Raymond Blanc, OBE, is a French chef, recognised as one of the finest chefs of the world. Completely self-taught, he has had significant influence on gastronomy through his career. After making humble beginnings in France as a waiter, Blanc reached England where he found a new lease on life. He started Les Quat’ Saisons with his wife, Jenny.
The restaurant earned two Michelin stars and the Egon Ronay Guide Award for Best Restaurant in England. Soon after, he bought a manor house in Great Milton, Oxfordshire and started his dream hotel restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. Today, it is the only country house hotel that has retained two Michelin stars for over 30 years.
Chef Blanc has also gone on to teach several protègés like Michael Caines OBE, Marco Pierre White and Bruno Loubet. He is also an author of many culinary titles. He has hosted popular TV shows like Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets, The Restaurant, and Raymond Blanc: How to Cook Well among others.
Congratulations Chef Blanc!