Claire Vallée
Claire Vallée | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1980 Nancy, France |
| Occupation | Chef |
| Known for | First vegan restaurant to receive a Michelin star |
Claire Vallée (born 1980) is a distinguished French chef. Her restaurant, ONA, holds the distinction of being the inaugural vegan venue to be honored with a Michelin star.
Early life
Vallée was born in 1980 in Nancy and spent her formative years in Montélimar. She earned a doctorate degree in archaeology.
Career
Following her academic pursuits, Vallée dedicated eight years to working at a restaurant in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where she specialized as a pastry chef. After spending time in Thailand, she embraced vegetarianism and subsequently refrained from handling meat or fish upon her return to France.
In 2016, she launched ONA, a vegan dining establishment located near Bordeaux in southwestern France. The acronym ONA stands for "Origine non animale" (originating from non-animal sources). The project was funded through a €10,000 crowdfunding initiative along with assistance from , an ethical finance cooperative. Vallée integrated vegan values beyond the menu, extending them to beverages and interior design, incorporating renewable energy sources and implementing composting for waste management. The restaurant ceased operations permanently in October 2022.
Recognition
In 2018, the Michelin Guide awarded ONA one fork, signifying comfort and quality, while the competing guide Gault Millau bestowed two chef's hats, recognizing it as the first organic and vegan establishment acknowledged by these culinary authorities.
By 2021, ONA had become the first vegan restaurant to earn a Michelin star. Furthermore, it received a Green Star from the Michelin Guide for outstanding commitment to sustainable gastronomy.