A Maître Cuisinier de France (Master Chef of France)
A prestigious association
Since 20 January 2013, Benoît Charvet has been a member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, an association of France's finest chefs. They number around 500 in France and around the world. Roger Roucou, the renowned Lyonnais chef, who was formerly president of the association, described it in these terms:
"The Maîtres Cuisiniers de France are the largest group of French chefs whose skills, recognised by all, are an authority in the art of gastronomy.”
Founded in 1951 under the name "Maîtres-Queux" (from the Latin Coquus meaning "cook"), the association took its present-day name in 1967, but its two overriding missions have never changed: to serve and perpetuate the much-celebrated French "arts de la table" while promoting French cuisine.
A commitment to preserving France's culinary heritage
Aware that they are part of an illustrious lineage and the inheritors of a great past, the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France see themselves as guardians.
Guardians of a culinary heritage, first and foremost. Through their commitment and savoir-faire, they embody the preservation of a rich gastronomic tradition. Secondly, they are guardians of a living landscape.
In order to offer an exceptional culinary experience to their clientèle while protecting the environment, the chefs work closely with farmers and artisan producers to obtain the finest, local French produce.
A desire to promote and pass on French cuisine
Alongside their work in preserving France's culinary heritage, the Maîtres Cuisiniers are also committed to promoting the renowned French “arts de la table”, both nationally and internationally.
With their focus on handing down a tradition of exceptional cuisine, they have a key role to play in passing on this heritage to young apprentices. And in this spirit, every year, they hold the Best Apprentice in France competition.