Jacques Pic facts for kids
| Born | October 31, 1932 |
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| Died | September 19, 1992 (aged 59) Valence, Drôme, France |
| Cooking style | French cuisine |
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Jacques Pic (born October 31, 1932 – died September 19, 1992) was a famous French chef. He was best known for being the head chef at his family's restaurant, Maison Pic, in Valence, Drôme, France. This restaurant earned the highest award of three Michelin stars. Jacques followed in his father Andre Pic's footsteps, and later, his children, Alain and Anne-Sophie Pic, also became well-known chefs.
Becoming a Chef
Jacques Pic grew up around food. His father, Andre Pic, was a chef at their family restaurant, Des Pins. This restaurant was located in the hills above Valence, Drôme. When Jacques was two years old, the restaurant moved into the town and became Maison Pic. By the time Jacques was seven, the restaurant had earned three Michelin stars.
Jacques saw how hard his father worked. He noticed the stress it put on his father's health. Because of this, Jacques decided he did not want to be a chef. Instead, he wanted to become a car mechanic.
However, things changed for the family restaurant. In 1946, Maison Pic lost one of its three stars. Then, in 1950, it lost another star. Jacques saw that his father had no one else to take over the restaurant. He decided to change his mind. Jacques chose to train as a chef. His goal was to take over the restaurant and help it earn back its lost stars for his father and family.
Jacques Pic's Culinary Journey
Jacques wanted to learn from the best chefs. His father, Andre, was highly respected. So, Jacques applied to work in the kitchens of Fernand Point and Alexandre Dumaine. These chefs were considered as skilled as his father. However, both chefs did not accept Jacques' applications.
Instead, Jacques traveled to Geneva, Switzerland. He also visited many towns and cities across France. During his travels, he learned many different cooking skills. Later, during his French national service, he was sent to Algeria.
Returning to Maison Pic
After his travels and service, Jacques returned to Maison Pic. He brought new ideas with him. He introduced an eight-course tasting menu. This was a big change from the usual three-course meal. Jacques was one of the first chefs in the nouvelle cuisine movement to offer such an expanded menu.
His hard work paid off. In 1959, he helped the restaurant win back its second Michelin star. Then, in 1973, he successfully restored the third star. His father, Andre, lived to see the restaurant regain and keep all three stars. Andre Pic passed away in 1983.
On September 19, 1992, Jacques Pic sadly died from a heart attack. He was 59 years old and was working at the stove at Maison Pic when it happened. His son, Alain, took over as the head chef. As of 2012, his daughter, Anne-Sophie Pic, is the head chef of the family's famous restaurant.
