Auguste Escoffier Essay

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Kerry Gonzalez Auguste Escoffier Georges Auguste Escoffier, later known simply as, Auguste Escoffier is the father of modern French cuisine and is recognized as the finest master chef of the 20th century. Escoffier’s cooking career began when he was 13 years old, when he was sent to work at his uncle’s restaurant in Nice, France. While working for his uncle, Escoffier learned many things about cooking and the restaurant industry. At the age of 19, Escoffier left his uncle’s restaurant in Nice for another apprenticeship in Paris, France. While there the Franco-Prussian war began. Escoffier enlisted and served as an army chef. Escoffier took an in depth study of canning and the techniques for preserving foods such as meats and vegetables. After his time with the army, Escoffier returned to Paris to resume his career as a chef. While there, he built a reputation for himself. The fact that he was a chef of notable rank that served for the public directly raised his popularity, especially considering that most great chefs at the time strictly worked only for royalty, nobility, or private clubs. Throughout his cooking career he catered to many fine hotels such as: The Grand Hotel Monte Carlo, Hotel Ritz Paris, The Savoy and Grand Hotel Rome. His culinary arts included the study of seasonal items, lighter sauces and mother sauces for kitchens. During his time he teamed up with professional chefs at hotels and developed a superior reputation for haute cuisine. Haute cuisine is characterized by particular preparation and careful presentation of food, at a high expense level, accompanied by rare and exclusive wines. He also developed the first a la carte menu. A la carte menus specify the price of each item. He simplified the art of cooking by getting rid of food displays and elaborates garnishes by reducing the number of courses served. He also simplified kitchen
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