Jean-Christophe Novelli, a French celebrity chef, is a culinary icon whose culinary genius has impressed food lovers across the globe. Born on the 22nd of February 1961 in Arras, France, Novelli’s passion for cooking manifested at a young age, where he would spend hours in his grandmother’s kitchen, observing, learning, and cooking local French delicacies.
After completing his formal education, Novelli joined the kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel in London, where he learned the art of cooking a wide range of cuisines. He later moved forward to work at several top-notch restaurants in Europe, including the Château de Divonne in France, his first head chef role at Keith Floyd’s Maltsters in Devon, and later at the Gordleton Mill in the New Forest.
Novelli’s critical acclaim came when he was awarded two Michelin stars for his excellent work at Les Saveurs in London’s Mayfair. This was an incredible achievement for Novelli at that time, becoming the only UK chef to hold two Michelin stars in different kitchens. Novelli has since gone on to open several renowned restaurants, including Maison Novelli in Clerkenwell and the Novelli Academy Cookery School in Hertfordshire.
Jean-Christophe Novelli is also an accomplished author, with several well-received cookbooks under his belt. He also appears regularly on television, including his participation in the BBC’s “Great British Menu” and as a judge on ITV’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”
Novelli’s cooking style is modern French cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. He is a master of his craft, known for his impeccable eye for detail and presentation, as well as his ability to take classic dishes and add his own unique twist.
With over three decades of experience in the industry, Jean-Christophe Novelli’s impact on the gastronomic world has been noteworthy. He continues to inspire and educate aspiring and seasoned chefs alike through his books, cookery schools, and TV appearances.