Most chefs would give up a lot to be awarded a Michelin star, but one is willing to surrender his in exchange for peace and creative freedom. French Chef Sébastien Bras who runs the show at Le Suquet restaurant in Laguiole has been the recipient of three Michelin Stars, the first of which came in 1999. Being awarded a Michelin star can have a dramatic impact on the success of any restaurant, but it also opens up the chefs there to constant inspection and judgement as Bras discovered.
In a video posted to his Facebook page, the chef said that while his job gave him a lot of satisfaction, it had also become the source of tremendous pressure, especially after receiving Three Michelin Star status. He went on to say that he wants to work freely without the hassle of rankings and judgements. He expressed a desire not be featured in the Michelin Guides. Bras was accepting of the decreased fame that this loss of status would bring but promised to serve excellent local produce nonetheless.
In response, Claire Dorland Clauzel, a member of the Michelin (guide) executive committee said that while Bras’ request would not lead to an automatic removal from the list, they respect his wishes and would give the matter its due consideration. This is the first time a chef has asked not be featured in the Michelin guides.
[Via:Theguardian]
