Jacques Pic
Jacques Pic | |
|---|---|
| Born | 31 October 1932 Valence, Drôme, France |
| Died | 19 September 1992 (aged 59) |
| Occupation | Chef |
| Known for | Leadership of Maison Pic, a three Michelin starred restaurant |
Jacques Pic (October 31, 1932 – September 19, 1992) was a distinguished French chef best known for his leadership of the three Michelin starred establishment Maison Pic located in Valence, Drôme, France. As the son of chef Andre Pic and the father of chefs Alain and Anne-Sophie Pic, he was instrumental in continuing and enhancing the family's culinary heritage.
Early life
Born into the Pic family, proprietors of the restaurant Des Pins near Valence, Drôme, Jacques experienced the family business's transition to the town under the name Maison Pic when he was just two years old. By the time he was seven, the restaurant had achieved three Michelin stars. Initially, Jacques showed little interest in pursuing a culinary career due to concerns about its impact on his health and aspired to become a mechanic instead. However, after Maison Pic lost its third star in 1946 and its second in 1950, and with no clear heir apparent, Jacques decided to train as a chef to revive the restaurant’s former acclaim.
Career
Although he faced rejection from prominent chefs such as Fernand Point and Alexandre Dumaine, Jacques acquired valuable culinary experience throughout Switzerland and France before fulfilling his national service in Algeria. Upon returning to Maison Pic, he pioneered an eight-course tasting menu, expanding traditional dining concepts and embracing the principles of the nouvelle cuisine movement. He succeeded in reclaiming the restaurant’s second Michelin star in 1959 and restored its third star by 1973. After his father passed away in 1983, Jacques upheld the establishment's prestigious three-star rating.
Jacques Pic passed away from a heart attack at age 59 while actively engaged at Maison Pic. His son Alain took over as head chef, and as of 2012, his daughter Anne-Sophie has been leading the family restaurant.