Georgiana Viou
Georgiana Viou | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1977 Cotonou, Benin |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, author, television judge |
| Known for | First black woman chef in France to receive a Michelin star; judge on French MasterChef |
Georgiana Viou (born 1977) is a French culinary professional originating from Benin, recognized for her expertise in Mediterranean cuisine enriched with African elements. In 2023, she made history as the first black woman chef in France to receive a Michelin star. Additionally, Viou serves as a judge on the French edition of MasterChef and has authored several cookbooks.
Early life and education
Viou was born in 1977 in Cotonou, Benin, where she acquired her initial cooking skills from her mother. At the age of 22, she relocated to Paris to pursue language studies at the Sorbonne, with aspirations of becoming a conference interpreter. After the birth of her first child, she reignited her enthusiasm for cooking and began gaining practical experience in professional kitchens.
Upon completing her studies, Viou moved to Marseille, where she balanced daytime employment at a communications agency with evening work in restaurant kitchens, refining her culinary abilities. Being predominantly self-taught, she attributes much of her expertise to hands-on experience gained in Marseille’s culinary scene.
Professional Chef
At 33 years old, Viou transitioned from translation to dedicate herself fully to a career in cooking. In 2008, she participated in the inaugural season of and subsequently advanced to the final rounds of MasterChef.
In 2011, she established “L'Atelier de Georgiana,” a combined cooking school and restaurant, and released her debut cookbook titled “Géorgiana - Ma cuisine de Marseille.” Her culinary style integrates Mediterranean flavors, particularly Provençal influences, alongside elements from her Beninese heritage. She openly criticizes fusion cuisine, describing it as "disorganized." In 2015, she launched Chez Georgiana; however, it closed the following year due to conflicts with investors.
Rouge
Viou inaugurated “Rouge” in 2021, a restaurant and bar located in Nîmes, which earned the Grand de Demain accolade from Gault & Millau. That same year, she published her second cookbook, “Le goût de Cotonou, ma cuisine du Bénin.”
Returning to television in 2022, Viou joined MasterChef as a judge. The following year, Rouge was awarded a Michelin star, marking Viou as the first black female chef in France to receive this honor and distinguishing her as the only solo female chef recognized with a star that year.
Publications
- 2011 Géorgiana - Ma cuisine de Marseille
- 2021 Le goût de Cotonou - Ma cuisine du Bénin
See also
- List of female chefs with Michelin stars
- Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, featuring Viou in Season 6’s Marseille episode
- Adejoké Bakare, the first black woman awarded a Michelin star in the United Kingdom