Who Was the First Michelin Star Chef?

The origin of the Michelin Star rating system dates back to the early 1900s when Andre and Edouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin Tire Company, wanted to encourage drivers to explore different areas in France. Realizing that a guide book with detailed information on hotels, restaurants and attractions would be a beneficial tool, they issued the first edition of their “Guide Michelin” in 1900.

The guide was an instant success and quickly became an invaluable resource for travelers. In 1926, Andre and Edouard Michelin decided to reward establishments that provided superior service and food by adding a star rating system to their guide. The one-star rating was awarded to those restaurants that offered “very good food in its category”, two stars for establishments with “excellent cooking, worth a detour” and three stars for restaurants with “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”.

The first restaurant to receive a single star was Buerehiesel in Strasbourg, France which received its first star in 1933. Owned by Fernand Point who is often referred to as “the father of modern French cooking”, Buerehiesel quickly became one of France’s top fine dining destinations and continued to maintain its one-star rating until World War II.

Fernand Point was not only the first chef awarded a single Michelin star but also one of the greatest chefs of all time. His innovative approach towards French cuisine changed the way people thought about cooking and he is credited with introducing lighter sauces, modern presentation techniques and unique flavor combinations into French cooking. He was also an influential mentor who trained some of Europe’s most renowned chefs including Paul Bocuse who went on to become the first three-starred chef in 1965.

Conclusion:

The first ever Michelin Star Chef was Fernand Point from Strasbourg who received his first single star for his restaurant Buerehiesel in 1933. He is widely considered as the father of modern French cooking whose influence continues today through famous alumni from his kitchen such as Paul Bocuse.