Chef Jean-Pierre Saunier, a figure in the restaurant industry in Auxerre (Yonne), died this Sunday, January 5, at the age of 73. This Burgundian was known for his authentic cuisine which made the heyday of “Maxime” then “Rendez-vous”, two emblematic restaurants of Auxerrois.
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Burgundian at heart and soul, chef Jean-Pierre Saunier died this Sunday, January 5. He entertained the palaces of Auxerre for forty years. Born in Chaudenay in Saône-et-Loire in 1951, he moved to Auxerre in 1978, never to leave his hometown again. He was successively the head of “Maxime” and “Rendez-vous”.
This chef, appreciated by many customers and colleagues, inspired respect with his traditional cuisine. “He was a man with a big heart, who loved people, and people loved him“reacts the culinary columnist Gauthier Pajona with tenderness and emotion.”Burgundy flowed through his veins. He loved this region, he loved the products, the landscapes. His range was a Lyon Burgundy cork, with the atmosphere and earthiness that went with it.“.
On social networks, tributes follow one another to honor his memory and his passion for cooking. “Jean-Pierre Saunier was a man of quality, discreet, caring, generous, attentive, brotherly, respectful and friendly. He had many true friends who, today, mourn him” says an Internet user. “A figure! A passionate person…and he took pleasure in pleasing people!” remembers another.
Jean-Pierre Saunier was a man of quality, discreet, caring, generous, attentive, fraternal, respectful and friendly
For those who knew him, Jean-Pierre was more than a cook, he created a pleasant atmosphere in his establishment, sharing a small drink or an anecdote with customers at the counter. But he was also very attentive and fatherly to his peers of the younger generation.
He inspired a certain respect, he is a type of cook who will perhaps no longer exist
Gauthier PajonaFood columnist
For Gauthier Pajona, “iHe inspired a certain respect, he is a type of cook who will perhaps no longer exist. A requirement to serve customers, even in fairly simple menus“. With his whole character, and his little tantrums, he had become an essential leader.
