Cookery school, Montmorillon

[david9]

I have heard rumours about the possibility of a cookery school opening in Montmorillon, fronted by a world famous French chef. Does anybody know anything about this?

[Brian]

It's Joel Robuchon. There have been mutterings about it for at least 18 months. There's a recent-ish article here: https://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/Vien...ts-2367507

[Admiral]

It's Joel Robuchon. There have been mutterings about it for at least 18 months.

It looks as though it's now official.  The great man - plus the odd Government minister - unveiled the plan at a launch in Paris last night (Nov 19).

Based on a five hectare site centred around the Maison Dieu it comprises a massive cookery school that will start with 500 students rising to 1,200 after three years.

Plus - this is the best bit - a 650 sqm restaurant facing the Gartempe.  YUM.

The site will feature a luxury hotel at some stage.

It seems the plans for renovating/converting a lot of the old buildings have finally been passed and the French authorities have finally given their blessing to the backers.  The local paper describes them as "Asian businessmen."

With 25 Michelin stars to his name worldwide this can only be a massive boost for Montmorillon and the surrounds in terms of income, boost to local businesses, tourism and the fact that our French chums will travel miles and miles to eat in a Robuchon restaurant.  So will I and Madame Admiral.

Interesting throwaway factoid to impress your friends with; Joel Robuchon is a "local" lad born in Poitiers.

[Jane]

This sounds like a great boost for the area. I wonder how long it will take before this is all up and running.

[david9]

Sounds good, thanks for the information!

[chris_and_julie]

Is there a link to the Robouchon garage near Mr Bricolage?

Nice article here - https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/...58343.html with pictures!

Chris

[Brian]

Is there a link to the Robouchon garage near Mr Bricolage?

Quite possible, it seems he's a local lad.

In fact it seems our house was built in the early 1700's by a family called Robuchon
I might invite him round for lunch one weekend  
Brian

[Clubby]

What's going to happen now he's gone?

Any local news?

[Brian]

The school is based on the Robuchon name, reputation and method and I believe there are many investors above and beyond M. Robuchon's financial interest. I suspect that everything will continue as planned.
Brian

[Admiral]

The school is based on the Robuchon name, reputation and method and I believe there are many investors above and beyond M. Robuchon's financial interest. I suspect that everything will continue as planned.
Brian

Really hope you are right Brian because in the last week or two I have countless people - well, three - telling me they've heard the whole scheme is dead in the water.

Without the great man walking the walk in Montmorillon they've heard the Chinese investors have pulled out.  Plus there were numerous delays in preparing the site for building as there would be in digging around a medieval area.  Someone should have thought of that.