The Big Prize - Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons.
When he was 28 years old Raymond Blanc opened his first restaurant. After only been opened for one year it was named Egon Ronay restaurant of the year. Numerous accolades followed including Michelin stars and the Pestle and Mortar prize. In 1984 however his dream came true when he created the hotel and restaurant Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons at Great Milton in Oxford. Le Manoir is the only country house and hotel in Britain to receive and keep two Michelin stars, the Relais prize and the Chateaux Purple Shield.
Raymond Blanc
Michelin Star
André Michelin published the first book in 1900 and the purpose at that time was to advise the 20th century motorist about places to eat and stay in France. By 1920 the section on places to eat was so popular that Michelin set up a team of undercover inspectors and started a new category by giving stars to various restaurants.
The 'Michelin guide rouge' is the most famous and most successful book in France and it has great influence. Having just one Michelin star can mean 25% more sales turnover and to loose a star can mean financial ruin!
Living in Oxford but originally from Besancon, France.
Owner of Le Manoir and one of the world's most internationally renowned famous chefs.
He was born in 1949 in Besançon, France. He came to Britain in 1972 to work as a waiter at Rose Revived restaurant in Witney. The chef became ill and Raymond stepped in to help, two years later the restaurant was noted in the Michelin guidebook.
In 1991 he established L'Ecole de Cuisine' at Le Manoir, a cooking school for amateur and professional chefs to develop their skills and learn some kitchen secrets.
Raymond Blanc has numerous books to his name which include 'Cooking for friends', 'A Blanc Christmas', 'Recipes from Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons', 'Blanc Vite' and his recent book 'Foolproof French Cookery'.
For more information on Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons go to www.manoir.com