MasterChef: The Professionals star Michel Roux Jr has paid tribute to his father Albert Roux following his death at the age of 85.
The founder of the Michelin-starred Le Gavroche and part of the Roux culinary dynasty died on January 4 after a lengthy illness.
A statement from his family said: “The Roux family has announced the sad passing of Albert Roux, OBE, KFO, who had been unwell for a while, at the age 85 on 4th January 2021.
“Albert is credited, along with his late brother Michel Roux, with starting London’s culinary revolution with the opening of Le Gavroche in 1967.
“The Roux family have requested that their privacy at this time be respected.”
His son, chef Michel Roux Jr said: “He was a mentor for so many people in the hospitality industry, and a real inspiration to budding chefs, including me.”
Gordon Ramsay, who trained at Albert’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair during the late 1980s and early 1990s paid tribute on Instagram
Sharing a photo of them together he wrote: “So so sad the hear about the passing of this legend, the man who installed Gastronomy in Britain, we’ve shared the same office for the last decade and walking up those stairs today is going to be really difficult, thank you Albert for everything you gave me, God Bless you Chef.”
TV Chef James Martin paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Such a sad start to the year… Albert Roux was a true titan of the food scene in this country and inspired and trained some of the best and biggest names in the business.
“RIP and today I will open a bottle of the finest red and raise a glass… in fact the bottle to you and your brother and say thank you for everything. My thoughts to all the Roux family and friends.”
Food critic Jay Rayner tweeted: “Albert Roux was an extraordinary man, who left a massive mark on the food story of his adopted country. The roll call of chefs who went through the kitchens of Le Gavroche alone, is a significant slab of a part of modern UK restaurant culture. RIP.”
Piers Morgan wrote: “RIP Albert Roux, 85, just 9 months after the death of his brother Michel.
“Two culinary titans who revolutionised the UK restaurant scene & mentored so many more great chefs. Both wonderful characters, touched by genius, who brought pleasure to many palates. Thank you.”
A statement from The Michelin Guide said: “Albert Roux OBE, along with his late brother Michel, was a father of the UK restaurant industry and his legacy will live on through the many chefs who passed through his kitchen.
“All of us at the Michelin Guide send our heartfelt condolences to the Roux family.”
Alongside his brother Michel, Albert founded Le Gavroche in London in 1967, followed by The Waterside Inn in Bray in 1972.
Le Gavroche was the first restaurant in the UK to gain three Michelin stars.
