Yahoo Finance Legendary French chef Albert Roux dies aged 85
Legendary chef Albert Roux has died at the age of 85.
He passed away on 4 January after being "unwell for a while", his family said.
A statement from the Roux family read: "The Roux family has announced the sad passing of Albert Roux, OBE, KFO, who had been unwell for a while, at the age 85 on 4th January 2021.
"Albert is credited, along with his late brother Michel Roux, with starting London’s culinary revolution with the opening of Le Gavroche in 1967."
His son, MasterChef star Michel Roux Jr, said of his father: "He was a mentor for so many people in the hospitality industry, and a real inspiration to budding chefs, including me."
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The Roux family requested privacy following the bereavement.
The message was shared on the social media accounts of Michel Jr and Le Gavroche and accompanied by photos of the late cook.
Roux’s death comes after his brother Michel died in March last year at the age of 78.
Their restaurant Le Gavroche was the first in Britain to achieve three Michelin stars in 1982, though later lost a star in 1993. The venue is now run by Michel Jr.
Tributes to Roux were given by figures in the culinary world, including from food critic Jay Rayner.
He tweeted: "Albert Roux was an extraordinary man, who left a massive mark on the food story of his adopted country. The roll call of chefs who went through the kitchens of Le Gavroche alone, is a significant slab of a part of modern UK restaurant culture. RIP."
Gordon Ramsay shared a snap of himself alongside the late restauranteur, writing: “So so sad the hear about the passing of this legend , the man who installed Gastronomy in Britain, we’ve shared the same office for the last decade and walking up those stairs today is going to be really difficult, thank you Albert for everything you gave me, God Bless you Chef.”
Meanwhile, chef James Martin wrote: "Such a sad start to the year...Albert Roux was a true titan of the food scene in this country and inspired and trained some of the best and biggest names in the business.
"RIP and today I will open a bottle of the finest red and raise a glass...in fact the bottle to you and your brother and say thank you for everything. My thoughts to all the Roux family and friends."
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