Léa Bidaut
Léa Bidaut | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Le Creusot, France |
| Died | May 30, 1996 (aged 88) |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, restaurateur |
| Years active | 1927–1981 |
| Known for | Lyonnaise gastronomy, Michelin-starred restaurant "La Voûte chez Léa" |
Léa Bidaut (17 May 1908 – 30 May 1996), recognized as , was a distinguished French chef and a notable figure among the Lyon Mères, renowned for her expertise in Lyonnaise gastronomy. Her culinary journey commenced in 1927, initially serving affluent households in her native Le Creusot before moving to Lyon. In 1938, she inaugurated her first dining establishment, later known as "Daniel et Denise," situated on Rue Tupine near Place Bellecour in Lyon, which she managed for four years. Subsequently, in 1943, Bidaut founded "La Voûte chez Léa" nearby, a venue that was honored with a Michelin star.
She gained a reputation for procuring fresh produce directly from the Saint-Antoine market adjacent to her restaurant, demonstrating exceptional skill in utilizing modest ingredients creatively, with her signature dish featuring asparagus tips. Her distinctive market cart bore the inscription "" (Beware, fragile woman but outspoken).
In 1978, Bidaut became a member of the esteemed Les Toques Blanches Lyonnaises. Chef Philippe Rabatel assumed control of her restaurant in January 1980, and she retired the following year. The establishment changed hands in 2013, purchased by partners Christian Morel, Michelin-starred chef Christian Têtedoie, and sommelier Laurence Ginet. As of 2022, "La Voûte chez Léa" continues to operate.
Specialties
Bidaut maintained the legacy of the celebrated female cooks of Lyon known as the Mères lyonnaises, emphasizing straightforward yet refined culinary creations. Among her acclaimed dishes was sauerkraut prepared with champagne, alongside other favorites such as potato paillasson, chicken cooked in vinegar, rabbit leg infused with orange flavor, and macaroni gratin, a recipe she shared with Mère Brazier.
Further reading
- Simon, Catherine, (2018) Mangées. Une histoire des Mères lyonnaises, Sabine Wespieser, editor/publisher. .