Influential Chef Bertrand Grébaut Passes Away

Renowned French chef Bertrand Grébaut, who significantly influenced French cuisine by combining formal haute cuisine with traditional bistro fare, has died in Paris at the age of 44. The announcement was made by his business partner, Théophile Pourriat, on Instagram. Mr. Grébaut had been diagnosed with cancer last fall and had reduced his professional activities.

In 2011, Grébaut and Pourriat opened Septime, a restaurant that shifted French cooking’s trajectory. They named the establishment after Monsieur Septime, a character from the 1966 film comedy “Le Grand Restaurant.” Septime’s opening coincided with a time when American chefs were exploring farm-to-table dining in casual settings. This contrasted with the traditional approaches of many French restaurants.

Part of a new generation of French chefs, Grébaut broke away from established norms. He selected the 11th arrondissement on the Right Bank for Septime, an area less frequented by tourists compared to the Left Bank’s popular dining spots. He found energy and creative freedom in this new location, describing the local population as more open-minded and activist.

An advocate for enjoying dining experiences without the distraction of social media, Grébaut encouraged his guests to appreciate moments shared around the table over capturing and sharing them online.