Gastronomy is much more than an art in France: it is a pillar of national identityan intangible heritage recognized throughout the world. It reflects the traditions, know-how and love of conviviality, essential elements of French culture. Generations of chefs, amateur or professional cooks, have contributed to transmitting this culinary heritagetrue national pride.
This December 21, France lost a emblematic figure of gastronomy. More than a cook, Maïté was a symbol of tradition, audacity and proximity, who knew how to touch the hearts of the French and leave an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.
A star in the South-West has gone out
Iconic figure of French television, Maïté, in her real life name Marie-Thérèse Ordonezdied at age 86 on the night of December 20 to 21, 2024. Originally from Rion-des-Landes, she made audiovisual history with her culinary show The Kitchen of the Musketeers. Broadcast between 1983 and 1997, this show popularized flavors of the South West and seduced millions of viewers thanks to his authenticity and outspokenness.
His colorful personality, his singing accentand its ability to popularize cooking with simple and rustic gestures won over the public. Impossible to forget his daring culinary demonstrationslike stunning an eel or preparing homemade foie gras.
Maïté, an extraordinary journey
Born on June 2, 1938, Maïté grew up in a rural environment, surrounded by Gascon culinary traditions. After leaving school at 14, she worked as a domestic worker in Paris before returning to his native village. There, she took on a number of small jobs, while cooking for local banquets and events. It was in 1983 that Patrice Bellot, director, noticed his talent while attending a rugby meal and asked him to host a television show. At 45, she made her screen debut, accompanied by her acolyte Micheline Banzet-Lawton.
Together, they cook authentic and generous dishes from the Gascon regionlike quail with grapes or chicken from the Landes. Thanks to her outspokenness, Maïté shakes up the codes of television culinary. She does not hesitate to criticize the new cuisine, which she described as “shameful”. Alongside the show, she opened a restaurant in her village, published recipe books and became a popular icon. Moreover, she even appears in films and advertisements!
She leaves a culinary and family legacy
After having marked the 1980s and 1990s, Maïté gradually withdraws from the spotlight in the 2000s. She enjoyed her retirement with her family, although the trials of life, such as the death of her son in 2008, marked her last years.
Her granddaughter Camille, passionate about cooking, participates in Top Chef objective in 2018, testifying to the impact of his grandmother on his career. Today, Maïté's legacy continues to inspire lover of French gastronomy.
