Europe Vs U S of A

Over here in the UK the French are regarded as the best chefs on the planet. Well, not just in the UK but throughout Europe.

Also Switzerland and Italy have produced fine chefs over the years also.

But as the majority of the chefs here are from the States i'd like your opinion on the best nationality... is it European chefs or Americans who are regarded as the masters ???

[shroomgirl]

Funny~ but most of the great ones in USA have worked for a French guy at some time or other. Daniel, Jean George,Keller,Trotter are the big boys, they are either Euros or have worked with them....I think ours match up.

[cape chef]

This is a quistion of time. i believe that most all of the chefs here that have public notiriary have in one way or the other been involved with the foundation of european training, Fond de veau,bechamel, veloute, braise,poach,sautee,I think that it is safe to say that technique as we know it today and learned years ago is grounded in french technique. the upside is that there are so many talented chefs in America that have taken this standard to knew hights.if you ask Keller or Trotter who there insperation was, you might find names like Giredet,Robuchon,LeCoze,Point

Oh my a can of worms has been opened now.

It depends on you judging criteria...

French chef's cooking "Clasical" French Food may well win out...they have been cooking in that style for many years.

But North American chefs who do not have the same established "Classic" history are doing very well for themselves.

For example check out the Bocuse D'Or competion.

Tell you what lets get them (the French and the Americans) to have a cook off....cooking in a style foreign to both of them...say in the style of Brazilian Jungle Natives or something of that nature... as neither side has an advantage that way (real or percieved)

Perhaps then well be able to see who is the best.

[This message has been edited by jeff_macrae (edited September 11, 2000).]

MY OPINION IS THAT IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE PERSON CREATING THE DISH!A DIFFERENT NATIONALITY DOESNT MEAN YOU ARE BETTER THAN ANOTHER, JUST CAUSE I CAN ROLL UP A ROASTED RED PEPPER AND SLICE IT, DOESNT MEAN I KNOW IT IS CHIFFONADE

[mudbug]

I agree, "best chef" is as much subjective as it is technical, if you define the parameters of what the definition of a "best chef" is, then you can decide on candidates..

[mudbug]

I agree, "best chef" is as much subjective as it is technical, if you define the parameters of what the definition of a "best chef" is, then you can decide on candidates..

[UniChef]

I remember the International cooking competition in Basel, Switzerland when the French were told they could not smoke in their kitchen during the competion. They got mad and left.

A great chef is a great chef regardless of the "country of origin". Most have "classical" training and I believe the difference is innovation. By the way, I wouldn't rule out the great oriental chefs, Aussies, etc. Great chefs and food are everywhere across the planet.

I find it interesting that when working with french chefs,they insist they are the worlds best.Then,working with the Swiss,their attitude is the same.And so on ,and so forth with the Germans and the Italians and the rest of the lot.In my years I may have learned more from the Europeans,but I had been treated like second class citizens (in my own country).
I find it interesting that the American chefs appreciate the fact that I have survived the Euro treatment,and brought their knowledge with me.I tend to work better when a chef treats me as a human,not an American reject he is forced to employ.

There are very few Euro chefs that appreciate American talent.An example is the coaches of the American team in the coup d monde

[Chef David Simpson]

I agree very strongly with you palmier. But you can't look at it like that because you have to remember your ancesteria.
These peg heads are not the best, by far. I've worked with some and not impressed at all. I'm the best in my eyes because I and remain open for improvemnet everyday. I work very hard, plain and simple, and getting better at it everyday . And these guys think that as soon as they pick up a knife, thier god.
Hey, I never said I was'nt arrogant. but man I can't see thier point to all that bad karma.