Moncef Meddeb (chef) facts for kids
Moncef Meddeb was a talented chef who founded a famous restaurant called L'Espalier. He was known for his amazing cooking and for creating special dining experiences. He passed away on March 26, 2019.
Moncef Meddeb's Story
Moncef Meddeb was born in Paris, France. His parents were immigrants from Tunisia, a country in North Africa. He grew up in Paris before moving to the United States in the late 1960s.
His Early Life and Education
While in Tunis, Moncef worked at a bank. There, he met Suzanne Owen, who was a volunteer with the Peace Corps. They got married and moved to Connecticut in the U.S. Moncef then went to college. He first attended the University of Connecticut and later transferred to Harvard College. He graduated from Harvard with a degree in political science.
Becoming a Chef
Moncef Meddeb's first job in a kitchen was while he was studying at Harvard. He worked at a restaurant called Casablanca in Harvard Square. Another story says his very first job was washing dishes at a nearby place called Algiers Cafe.
In 1978, Moncef opened his own restaurant, L'Espalier. It became very well-known. He ran L'Espalier for ten years before selling it to another chef, Frank McClelland, in 1988. After L'Espalier, Moncef opened other restaurants. These included 8 Holyoke in Cambridge and Aigo Bistro in Concord, Massachusetts. At Aigo Bistro, he even hired another famous chef, Ana Sortun, early in her career.
Honored for His Work
Moncef Meddeb was recognized for his skills and contributions to the food world. In 1985, he was included in the "Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America" by the James Beard Foundation. This is a very important honor for chefs and people in the food industry in the United States.
