Georges Perrier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georges Perrier
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Georges Perrier photographed in the 1990s by Carol M. Highsmith.
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| Pronunciation | /dʒɔːdʒˈpɛri.eɪ/ |
| Born | December 10, 1943 Lyon, France
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| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Chef, businessman |
| Style | French cuisine |
Georges Perrier (born in 1943) is a famous French chef. He moved to the United States in 1967. In the city of Philadelphia, he started and managed a very well-known restaurant called Le Bec-Fin. He also owned other restaurants, bars, and cafés across the country.
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Early Life and Training
Georges Perrier discovered his passion for cooking at a young age. When he was just 12 years old, he created his first main dish. It was called "Sweetbreads with Mushrooms and Madeira." This experience made him decide to become a chef.
He began his cooking career two years later, at age 14. He trained with many talented chefs in France. Some of these chefs worked at famous restaurants like Casino de Charbonnières and L’Oustau de Baumanière. He learned a lot from these experienced cooks.
Le Bec-Fin: A Famous Restaurant
In November 1967, Perrier moved to the United States. He started as the Head Chef at a restaurant called La Panetiere. In 1970, he opened his own restaurant, Le Bec-Fin. This restaurant specialized in French seafood dishes.
Le Bec-Fin was first located on Spruce Street. In 1983, it moved to Walnut Street. It quickly became known as one of the best restaurants in the United States. It won many important awards. Between 1992 and 2002, it received 10 James Beard Foundation Awards.
The restaurant also earned top ratings for over 20 years. It was given Five-Stars by the Mobil Travel Guide. It also received Five-Diamond status from the American Automobile Association (AAA) since 1989. Readers of Gourmet magazine chose Le Bec-Fin as their favorite restaurant in Philadelphia for three years in a row. In 1994, Conde Nast Traveler magazine named it the #1 restaurant in the country.
Georges Perrier was known for perfecting seafood recipes at Le Bec-Fin. One famous dish was the galette de crabe. This was a French twist on an American crab cake. He created it after visiting Maryland. After 43 successful years, Le Bec-Fin closed its doors on June 15, 2013.
Other Restaurants and Projects
Brasserie Perrier
In 1997, Georges Perrier opened his second restaurant, Brasserie Perrier. It was also on Walnut Street in Philadelphia. This restaurant was more casual and modern than the fancy Le Bec-Fin. It offered a different dining experience. The Brasserie Perrier closed in 2009 because the rent became too high.
Bistro Perrier
In 2017, Chef Georges Perrier became a special teacher at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. He started by recreating his old menu for one night. This event was called "Le Bec-Fin Redux." The restaurant where this event took place later became Bistro Perrier.
Georges Perrier helped guide many student chefs at Walnut Hill College. He taught classes and hosted special dinners. He also led workshops for professional chefs on the college campus.
Television and Film Appearances
Georges Perrier has appeared on television and in a movie.
- In 1994, he was featured on the TV show "Great Chefs of the East series." This show was part of the "Great Cities" television series on the Discovery Channel.
- In 1995, he appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman."
- In 2015, a movie about him called "King Georges" premiered in April. It was directed by Erika Frankel.
Major Achievements and Awards
Georges Perrier has received many honors throughout his career.
- In 1981, at age 38, he was accepted into the Maitres Cuisiniers de France. This is a very respected group of French chefs.
- In 1983, his restaurant Le Bec-Fin moved to its famous Walnut Street location. It would later earn five-star awards there.
- In 1989, the Maitres Cuisinier de France voted Perrier "Chef of the Year." They gave him the Silver Toque, a top award in fine dining.
- In 1994, readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine chose Le Bec-Fin as the #1 restaurant in the United States.
- In 1997, Chef Perrier's first cookbook was published. It was called Georges Perrier Le Bec-Fin Recipes and had over 100 recipes.
- In 1998, the James Beard Foundation honored him. They gave him the Best Mid-Atlantic Chef award.
- In 2009, the French government gave Perrier the Legion d'Honneur. This is one of France's highest awards.
- In 2010, he received the Academiciens de l’Annee. This is a high honor from the Academie Culinaire de France.
- In 2012, he received the "Medaille de la ville de Roanne" from the Mayor of Roanne, Ms. Laure Deroche.
