Henri Mouquin facts for kids

Henri Mouquin (born October 11, 1837 – died December 24, 1933) was a famous restaurant owner in New York. He helped introduce many new foods to people in the city.

Early Life and Big Dreams

Henri Mouquin was born in Aubonne, a small town near Lausanne in Switzerland. His family had a long history in the hotel business. Both his father and grandfather owned hotels.

Meeting a Famous Leader

When Henri was a boy, he even met Napoleon III. Napoleon III was a very important leader of France at the time. He would visit Henri's father's hotel. This early experience likely showed Henri the world of hospitality.

Moving to America

At 17, Henri decided to explore the world. He first traveled to Paris, France. Soon after, he left Europe entirely and sailed to the United States. He was ready for new adventures.

Starting His Career

Henri's first job in America was as a waiter. He worked at a very famous restaurant called Delmonico's in New York City. This was a great place to learn about fine dining.

Working Across the Country

Over the next twenty years, Henri worked in many different jobs. He traveled quite a bit, even working as far west as St. Louis. These experiences helped him learn a lot about the restaurant business.

First Restaurant and Family

In 1857, Henri Mouquin opened his very first restaurant. Two years later, in 1859, he married Marie Grandjean. Marie was also from Vaud, the same area in Switzerland where Henri was born.

Mouquin's Restaurants

Henri's first restaurant was in Manhattan, at the corner of Fulton Street and Nassau Street. His wife, Marie, was a wonderful cook and did most of the cooking for their new place.

Expanding His Business

Henri didn't stop at just one restaurant. He also started a business that brought in drinks from other countries. At one point, he was one of the biggest importers of these drinks in the entire U.S.

Bringing French Food to New York

Mouquin's restaurant quickly became very popular. It offered delicious French food at prices that many people could afford. This meant that New Yorkers who had never tried French dishes before could now enjoy them. Henri Mouquin played a big role in making French cuisine well-known in the city.

Later Years

Henri Mouquin lived a long and successful life. He passed away at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia, on December 24, 1933. He left behind a legacy of good food and a thriving business.