On February 11, we honor and remember Chef Paul Bocuse on what would have been his 100th birthday. Eighteen years ago, Monsieur Paul asked Chefs Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and his son Jérôme Bocuse to form a foundation dedicated to representing the United States on the global Bocuse d’Or stage, an initiative that would evolve into Ment’or. But Paul Bocuse’s gift to our profession began long before that moment.

Often called the pope of gastronomy, M. Paul revered tradition while redefining it. He helped usher in nouvelle cuisine, retranslating classics and creating dishes that were lighter and “new” while maintaining an emphasis on fresh ingredients. He brought the chef out of the kitchen and into the dining room, reshaping the role of a chef and how the world viewed our profession.

Whether you are a cook, have welcomed guests as a maître d’, or experienced a great meal, you have felt his influence. M. Paul’s ideas resonate through kitchens across cultures, generations and continents. They continue to shape how we cook, how we lead, and how we pass knowledge forward, coming full circle each time a young chef discovers how to honor tradition and reinterpret it as their own.

We honor M. Paul not only by investing in the chefs of tomorrow and future Bocuse d’Or Team USA candidates, but by continually elevating our profession, grounded in education, excellence, and the joy of nurturing others.

Thank you to the chefs and restaurants joining us in celebrating Monsieur Paul’s legacy throughout February. Click here to see how each is honoring the centennial, and how you can take part by experiencing these special dishes and menus at their restaurants.

Supporters who make a donation of $100 or more to Ment’or during February will receive a commemorative Monsieur Paul champagne bowl. (Available in limited quantities; click the button below to donate.)