In this episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast, we continue our series The Story of, where we delve into the lives of extraordinary French chefs from the past. This week, we focus on the life and legacy of Pierre Franey, a master of French cuisine who brought the flavors of Burgundy to kitchens across the world, including those in America. Born in the quaint village of Saint-Vinnemer in 1921, Pierre's passion for cooking was ignited by the rich culinary traditions of his homeland, and by the time he was just a teenager, he was already embarking on a journey that would take him to the heights of the culinary world.
Pierre Franey’s career is a remarkable tale of hard work, resilience, and a deep love for food. After honing his skills in some of Paris's most prestigious kitchens, Pierre crossed the Atlantic to work at the French Pavilion during the New York World's Fair. His talent quickly garnered attention, and he eventually rose to become a celebrated chef in the U.S., particularly known for his time as the executive chef at Le Pavillon, one of New York's most iconic French restaurants. Yet, it was his collaboration with Craig Claiborne of The New York Times that truly cemented Pierre's influence on American cuisine, with their partnership introducing French cooking to home kitchens across the country.
Throughout his career, Pierre Franey’s contributions to food went far beyond the kitchen. He was a pioneer in making gourmet French cuisine approachable for home cooks, through his popular column The 60-Minute Gourmet and his television shows. In this episode, we explore his journey from a small French village to becoming a household name in America, his influence on the way we cook and enjoy food, and the lasting impact he left on the culinary world.
Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.
Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City a
My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. You’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com
For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com
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