"World's best chef" Benoît Violier found dead aged 44
[Image credit: Andy Hayler, Tweets by wyahaw ]
Benoît Violier, a chef dubbed "the world's best", has been found dead at his home aged 44.
The Swiss-based, originally-French chef ran the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville in Crissier near Lausanne. He is reported to have committed suicide by shooting himself, according to BBC News today. His death comes just months after that of his mentor at the restaurant, Philippe Rochat, who died after falling ill while cycling last year.
A host of legendary French chefs came out to share their condolences at the news, with Pierre Gagnaire tweeting (in French): "My thoughts go out to the family of Benoît Violier. Very sad news about an extremely talented chef." Paul Bocuse, who lends his name to the prestigious European cookery contest, tweeted: "Great chef, great man, gigantic talent. All our thoughts go to the family and those close to Benoît Violier."
Violier had worked at L'Hotel de Ville in Crissier restaurant since 1996, and taken it over with his wife Brigitte in 2012. He had gained Swiss nationality, and also produced a book on game meat last year.
The restaurant itself was world-renowned, and has also been named top of the prestigious 1,000 "best restaurants" list compiled by the French government, simply named "La Liste".
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