Emmanuel Renaut
Emmanuel Renaut | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 26, 1968 Soisy-sous-Montmorency, France |
| Occupation | Chef |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Known for | Three Michelin stars, Meilleur Ouvrier de France (2004), founder of Flocons de sel |
Emmanuel Renaut (born 26 January 1968) is a distinguished French chef who has received three Michelin stars and was honored as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2004. After serving as sous-chef under Marc Veyrat, he launched his own dining establishment, Flocons de sel, located in Mégève.
Life and career
Originating from Soisy-sous-Montmorency, Emmanuel Renaut spent his childhood in Aisne and cultivated a passion for mountains and skiing through visits to Les Houches. Following his military tenure with the Chasseurs Alpins stationed in Chambéry, he pursued culinary education at the CFA of Laon starting in 1984, complemented by apprenticeships in Étouvelles and Paris.
Renaut’s professional journey includes positions at Hôtel Le Lotti and as first cooking assistant to Christian Constant at Hôtel de Crillon. He then joined Marc Veyrat’s kitchen team at Auberge de l'Eridan in Veyrier-du-Lac, where he served as sous-chef for four years. Subsequently, he collaborated with chef Yves Thuriès and held the role of head chef at Claridge's in London for one year.
In 1998, Renaut inaugurated Flocons de sel in Mégève, achieving his inaugural Michelin star in 2003, followed by a second in 2006, and a third in 2012. He authored the book La Montagne et le cuisinier published in 2007. The year 2012 also saw him receive the title "Cooking Chef of the Year," an accolade previously awarded to prominent chefs including Jean-François Piège and Anne-Sophie Pic.
Cooking style
Gilles Pudlowski, a food critic, identifies Renaut as a member of a "new generation" revitalizing regional ingredients, drawing comparisons to Alain Passard. François Simon remarks that Renaut’s culinary approach is deeply rooted in Savoyard local produce. Juliane Caspar from Guide Michelin commends his cuisine for its "subtlety" and "surprising yet harmonious" flavor combinations.
Personal life
Renaut’s family heritage traces back to Picardy. His mother manages a gîte situated in Coucy-lès-Eppes, Aisne. He met his spouse Kristine during his tenure at Claridge's; together they have three children.
Books
- Emmanuel Renaut and Catherine de Montalembert, La Montagne et le cuisinier, Aubanel, 2007, 229 pages (ISBN 9782700604641)