André Soltner
Encyclopedia
André Soltner is an internationally recognized French chef
and author working in the United States.
, in his native Alsace and later became chef-owner of New York City's French restaurant Lutèce
, which achieved a four-star rating from the New York Times.
Soltner missed only 5 days of work in 34 years at Lutèce.
Lifetime Achievement Award, Meilleur Ouvrier de France
, and the Chevalier du Mérite Agricole
Soltner is a member of several culinary organizations including the American Institute of Wine & Food, for which he and his wife Simone established the André and Simone Soltner Food Education Scholarship to assist applicants seeking a culinary career. Soltner is a member of the American Culinary Federation
, the Chef de Cuisine Association of America, and the Société de Cuisiniers de France. He previously served for more than 20 years as Délegué Général of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France) and is a trustee of the Société Culinaire Philanthropique. He co-authored of The Lutèce Cookbook.
On 13 May 2010, Soltner, along with other chefs from the French Culinary Institute (Jacques Pepin
, Jacques Torres
and Alain Sailhac
), prepared a $30,000-per-couple dinner for U.S. President Barack Obama
's fund-raiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
at Manhattan's St. Regis hotel.
, part of the new International Culinary Center
, in New York City.
Chef
A chef is a person who cooks professionally for other people. Although over time the term has come to describe any person who cooks for a living, traditionally it refers to a highly skilled professional who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation.-Etymology:The word "chef" is borrowed ...
and author working in the United States.
Background
Soltner started his career at the age of 15 at the Hôtel du Parc, MulhouseMulhouse
Mulhouse |mill]] hamlet) is a city and commune in eastern France, close to the Swiss and German borders. With a population of 110,514 and 278,206 inhabitants in the metropolitan area in 2006, it is the largest city in the Haut-Rhin département, and the second largest in the Alsace region after...
, in his native Alsace and later became chef-owner of New York City's French restaurant Lutèce
Lutèce
Lutèce is the French form of Lutetia, the Roman city where Paris now stands. The name also refers to:* Lutèce , a new hybrid elm tree variety*Lutèce , a restaurant in New York City...
, which achieved a four-star rating from the New York Times.
Soltner missed only 5 days of work in 34 years at Lutèce.
Achievements
André has received more than 25 awards, including the French government's prestigious Légion d'honneur and Officier du Mérite National. Highlights of his other recognitions include the James Beard FoundationJames Beard Foundation
The James Beard Foundation is a New York-based national professional non-profit organization named in honor of James Beard that serves to promote the culinary arts by honoring chefs, wine professionals, journalists, and cookbook authors at annual award ceremonies and providing scholarships and...
Lifetime Achievement Award, Meilleur Ouvrier de France
Meilleur Ouvrier de France
"Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France" is a craftsmen competition, held every four years.The title of Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France is a unique award in France according to category of trades in a contest between professionals. This contest is organized and recognized as a third-level degree...
, and the Chevalier du Mérite Agricole
Soltner is a member of several culinary organizations including the American Institute of Wine & Food, for which he and his wife Simone established the André and Simone Soltner Food Education Scholarship to assist applicants seeking a culinary career. Soltner is a member of the American Culinary Federation
American Culinary Federation
The American Culinary Federation was established in 1929 and is the largest professional chefs' organization in North America.ACF, which was the progeny of the combined visions of three chefs' associations in New York, comprises more than 22,000 members in 230 chapters across the United States,...
, the Chef de Cuisine Association of America, and the Société de Cuisiniers de France. He previously served for more than 20 years as Délegué Général of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France) and is a trustee of the Société Culinaire Philanthropique. He co-authored of The Lutèce Cookbook.
On 13 May 2010, Soltner, along with other chefs from the French Culinary Institute (Jacques Pepin
Jacques Pépin
Jacques Pépin is an internationally recognized French chef, television personality, and author working in the United States. Born in Bourg-en-Bresse, Lyon in France, Pepin was raised by a father and mother who jointly owned a restaurant, where he later credited the start of his love for food. He...
, Jacques Torres
Jacques Torres
Jacques Torres, known as “Mr. Chocolate,” is a master pastry chef. Torres is a prominent member of the FCI community, leading the Pastry Arts as well as holding pastry demonstrations.- Biography :...
and Alain Sailhac
Alain Sailhac
Alain Sailhac, born in Millau, France is an internationally recognized French chef working in New York City where he holds the position of Executive Vice President and Dean Emeritus at The French Culinary Institute. Sailhac earned the first ever four star rating from The New York Times while at Le...
), prepared a $30,000-per-couple dinner for U.S. President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
's fund-raiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is the Democratic Hill committee for the United States House of Representatives, working to elect Democrats to that body. They play a critical role in recruiting candidates, raising funds, and organizing races in districts that are expected to yield...
at Manhattan's St. Regis hotel.
Soltner today
Soltner serves as Dean of Classic Studies at the French Culinary InstituteFrench Culinary Institute
The French Culinary Institute , also known as The International Culinary Center has locations in SoHo, New York City and in the San Francisco Bay Area of California....
, part of the new International Culinary Center
International Culinary Center
The International Culinary Center, with locations in SoHo, New York City and in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, is home to The French Culinary Institute, The International Culinary Center School of Italian Studies, formerly The Italian Culinary Academy, FCI Catering and Events, and...
, in New York City.