Laurent Manrique
Laurent Manrique | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 30, 1966 Roques, France |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, restaurateur |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Michelin-star achievements; Executive Chef at Campton Place and Aqua; founder of Café de la Presse, Blanc et Rouge, Aquitaine Wine Bistro |
Laurent Manrique (born March 30, 1966) is a French chef and restaurateur recognized for his Michelin-star achievements, with professional ventures located in both San Francisco and Mexico.
Biography
Manrique’s culinary enthusiasm originated in the Gascon village of Roques, where he was inspired by the dishes his grandmother Aurélie crafted, including his renowned pot-au-feu. At the age of 14, he embarked on his cooking journey as an apprentice under Master Chef Roger Duffour. His training continued in Paris with Yan Jacquot and Claude Deligne at the Michelin-starred establishments Le Taillevent and Toit de Passy. Following encouragement from Master Chef Michel Rostang, Manrique relocated to Los Angeles in 1989 to work at Fennel and Rex.
By 1991, he had assumed the position of Executive Chef at Le Grand Comptoir in New York City, later serving at Peacock Alley within the Waldorf Astoria. In 1998, Bon Appetit honored him as a Rising Star Chef. The following year, he moved to San Francisco to become Executive Chef at Campton Place, where his work earned high praise from Gourmet and Food and Wine magazines.
Manrique took on the role of Corporate Executive Chef at Aqua in 2003, leading the restaurant to receive a 3½-star rating from the San Francisco Chronicle and prominent rankings by Wine Spectator and Robb Report. Under his guidance, Aqua was awarded two Michelin stars consecutively in 2006, 2007, and 2008, distinguishing him as the sole French chef in the area with this honor. In 2011, he was inducted into the Association des Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. Additionally, in 2010 he collaborated with the Carlton hotel on Madison Avenue to launch Millésime seafood brasserie, which Esquire recognized as one of New York’s Best New Restaurants.
Since 2003, Manrique has been involved with vineyards across California, France, and Spain. He has partnered with Master Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji on the production of Clos Oblidat wines. His entrepreneurial efforts include opening Café de la Presse in San Francisco in 2005, followed by wine bars Blanc et Rouge in 2008 and Aquitaine Wine Bistro in 2014. He holds the title of Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit (Chevalier du Mérite Agricole).
In 2019, Manrique formed a partnership with Las Rosadas in Bahia de Chamela, Mexico, enhancing the culinary offerings at the Ocean Club. By May 2021, he had taken on the role of culinary adviser for Scott's Chowder House as it expanded its presence in San Francisco and San Jose. That same year, together with French chef Olivier Dubreuil, he launched “La Maison des Chefs at Home,” focused on producing traditional jarred meals; he also provided advisory support to Aqua Culture Food.
Philanthropy is integral to Manrique’s career; he organizes “Taste and Tribute,” a biannual event featuring prominent chefs to benefit the Berkeley-based Tibetan Aid Project. He has been a consistent advocate for organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Project Open Hand in San Francisco.
Personal life
Manrique is married to writer Michelle Odom Manrique and they live with their children in northern California.