Gui Gedda receives the Palmes Académiques
The Escapades gourmandes honored Gui Gedda, the 91-year-old great chef from Bormes and pope of Provençal cuisine.
A rich festive program with a highlight: when Gui Gedda, nicknamed the “pope of Provençal cuisine” which he has exported worldwide, received the Palmes Académiques.
The man has had an extraordinary career. At 91, still hale and hearty, he was a prophet in his own land, becoming an ambassador of Provençal gastronomy to the world. Having spent his whole life at the stoves, he successfully passed down his knowledge and regional customs by writing twenty books, with the publication of a first encyclopedia by the end of the year.
Two other books will complete this collection: “Un fada de tomates en Provence” and “Produits du Var dans une cuisine instructive”. An extraordinary life, driven by a passion recognized by numerous French and international distinctions.
Thus, Gui Gedda was called the “pope of Provençal cuisine” by his peers and the big names in gastronomy. This disciple of Auguste Escoffier is also a true transmitter of knowledge. Despite the passing years, nothing escapes him when it comes to ensuring the authenticity of dishes and the quality of local products are recognized.
And there is no question of calling him an excellent restaurateur, as he has often heard, immediately correcting: “Anyone can set themselves up as a restaurateur, but not as a cook.
Because that is a creative profession”!
Francine Marie (text and photo).