Albert Roux facts for kids
Roux in 2010
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| Born | 8 October 1935 Semur-en-Brionnais, France |
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| Died | 4 January 2021 (aged 85) London, England |
| Cooking style | French |
| Spouse |
Monique Merle
(m. 1959; div. 2001)Cheryl Smith
(m. 2006; div. 2016)Maria Rodrigues
(m. 2018) |
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Rating(s)
Michelin stars
 (1982–1993) |
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Award(s) won
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Albert Henri Roux (8 October 1935 – 4 January 2021) was a famous French-British chef and restaurant owner. He and his brother Michel opened Le Gavroche in London. This restaurant was the first in the UK to earn three Michelin stars, which are like top awards for restaurants. Albert also taught many chefs who later became famous. His son, Michel Roux, Jr., still runs Le Gavroche today.
Contents
Early Life and Cooking Dreams
Albert Roux was born in a small village in France on October 8, 1935. His father made and sold cooked meats. Albert had a younger brother named Michel. When Albert was 14, he thought about becoming a priest. But he soon realized that wasn't the right path for him.
Instead, he decided to become a chef. His godfather was a chef for a famous person, Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. Through this connection, Albert got a job working for Nancy Astor, a well-known Viscountess, when he was 18.
A Chef's Journey Begins
While working for the Viscountess, Albert had a funny moment. He accidentally got some baked eggs stuck in a dumbwaiter! These eggs were meant for Harold Macmillan, who was the Prime Minister at the time. Luckily, his training at Cliveden went well otherwise.
After that, Albert worked at the British Embassy in Paris. He also became a private chef for Sir Charles Clore, a wealthy businessman. Later, he served in the French army in Algeria. There, he sometimes cooked for the officers.
When he left the army, he returned to the British Embassy in Paris as a sous chef. A sous chef is the second-in-command in a kitchen. Then, he became a private chef for Major Peter Cazalet, a racehorse trainer, for eight years.
Creating a Star Restaurant
In 1967, Albert and his younger brother Michel opened their own restaurant, Le Gavroche, in London. This restaurant made history! It was the first in Britain to win one Michelin star, then two, and in 1982, it became the first to win three. Getting three Michelin stars is a huge achievement for a restaurant.
Le Gavroche became a favorite spot for many important people, including Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. In 1984, Albert and Michel started the Roux Scholarship. This program helps new chefs get a great start in the cooking world.
Training Future Stars
Albert Roux was an amazing teacher. Many chefs he trained went on to earn Michelin stars themselves. Some of these famous chefs include Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, Pierre Koffmann, and Sat Bains. Albert always spoke highly of Gordon Ramsay, saying he knew Gordon would become very successful.
Albert continued to run many restaurants around the world. He wanted his restaurants to offer "good and honest country cooking." He aimed for places where people could enjoy great food without spending a fortune. In 2006, Albert and Michel Roux received a special Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized their incredible impact on the world of cooking.
A Life Beyond the Kitchen
Albert Roux loved fishing. He traveled all over the world for his hobby. He especially loved Scotland, calling its Highlands and islands "paradise." He enjoyed being in nature, even if he didn't catch any fish.
Albert married his childhood sweetheart, Monique, in 1959. They had two children, Michel Roux Jr and Danielle. His son, Michel Roux Jr., still runs Le Gavroche today, which now has two Michelin stars.
Albert Roux passed away in London on January 4, 2021, after a long illness. He received several important honors during his life. In 2002, he was given an OBE from the UK. In 2005, France honored him with the Légion d'Honneur, a very high award.
