Maïté, the legendary cook of the South-West and star of La Cuisine des Mousquetaires, died at the age of 86. Victim of a neurodegenerative disease, she had spent recent years in an EHPAD in Rion-des-Landes, her native village. A look back at the delicious journey of this extraordinary personality.
This is sad news that is shaking cooking and television fans today. On the eve of the end-of-year holidays, this Saturday, December 21, Maïté, whose real name is Marie-Thérèse Ordonez, died at the age of 86. An emblematic figure of the 80s and 90s, she had marked generations of viewers thanks to her boundless energy and his infectious passion for traditional gastronomy. Suffering from a neurodegenerative disease for several years, the woman who had brought the flavors of the South West to French screens lived her last days in a retirement home in Rion-des-Landes, her native village, surrounded by affection. of his own. With her legendary outspokenness, her hearty laugh and her inimitable accent, Maïté leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of the French, who today mourn an authentic icon.
Maïté, return to a journey that left its mark on television
During the 80s and 90s, Maïté reigned as undisputed queen on the small screen. With The Kitchen of the Musketeersbroadcast on France 3, she highlighted South-West cuisine with her generous recipes and her often spontaneous witticisms. Her memorable fights with eels or her ortolan tastings have made her a true icon. But since 2013, Maïté had drawn a line under the spotlight.
An assumed choice, as her granddaughter Camille confided in 2015: “She is doing well, enjoying her retirement and her family. She no longer wants to answer interviews or do television, it's no longer her thing. It is a desire on her part to fade away as she does, she no longer has the same centers of interest. She prefers to stay with her family.”
A life marked by personal drama
If Maïté has left the spotlight, it is not only out of a desire for tranquility. In 2013, she lost her only son, Serge, to cancer. This drama deeply upsets the famous chef. Two years later, his restaurant Chez Maïté, open in Rion-des-Landes for almost fifteen years, closed its doors. Put into liquidation, this establishment, a true local institution, leaves a bitter taste in the village. “The whole village was affected”a resident told France Bleu.
Despite everything, Maïté continued to devote herself to her family. Married since 1958 to Jean-Pierre “Pierrot” Ordonez, she had found comfort from his granddaughtersPerrine and Camille. The latter, passionate about cooking like her grandmother, had even participated in the show Top Chef objective. A way, for Maïté, to transmit her love for good things, while remaining far from the public scene. His South-West accent will still resonate in our memories for a long time to come. And that’s well worth one last blast of the trumpet.
