Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato Sailing
Parisian Celebrity Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato Culinary Sailing: June 23, 2012
Paul Gauguin Cruises is pleased to welcome Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato aboard The Gauguin for an exceptional culinary program. Chef Vigato is owner and Chef Proprietaire of one of the finest restaurants in Paris, the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Apicius (www.restaurant-apicius.com). Arguably one of the best restaurants in Paris, Restaurant Apicius sits nestled in private gardens behind the Champs-Elysees, within a 19th-century mansion.
Remarkably, M. Vigato is a self-taught chef. Born on the Île-de-France, in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, he grew up in a home in the country with a garden and vegetable plot, where his mother’s simple cuisine filled the kitchen with tantalizing aromas. He also thrived on fresh milk from a nearby farm and from chickens, ducks, and rabbits raised by his grandparents. From this early age, he learned the value of simple, fresh ingredients; of crafting food filled with flavor; and of simply cooking with love. Today, simplicity, flavor, and honesty remain his motto in the kitchen.
Chef Vigato began his culinary career as an apprentice at the hotel Moulin d’Orgeval, located a half-hour outside of Paris. After taking a year out for military service, he began working at the two-Michelin-starred Chez Albert restaurant on the city’s left bank. There, he learned about wines, brushed up on his English, and ultimately rose to the position of Maitre d’.
His hands-on experience with owning and running a restaurant began in 1978, with the purchase of Les Roches Gourmandes. He sold that restaurant within months and, the following year, opened Grandgousier, which earned him his first Michelin star in 1981. He opened Restaurant Apicius in 1984. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star after just one year of operations and its second Michelin star three years later.
Paul Gauguin Cruises has enjoyed a wonderfully fruitful relationship with Chef Vigato over the years, working together to enhance The Gauguin’s dining experience. For 2011 and 2012, all sailings will feature Chef Vigato’s signature menu in the ship’s La Veranda restaurant, and select dishes will also be featured at L’Etoile.
In addition, Chef Vigato will join The Gauguin’s June 23, 2012 sailing as a special guest, personally preparing gourmet dishes for guests as well as offering cooking demonstrations of his renowned culinary techniques. Sample menu items include Fine Tart of Mushrooms and Snails with Mascarpone and White Truffle Oil, Grilled Wahoo with Thai Vegetables and an Herb Salad, and Local Pineapple Jelly Served with Rum Infused Mascarpone and Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream.
To View Sample Menus Inspired by Chef Vigato, click below:
To book the June 23, 2012 Cruise, click here
