Acclaimed Le Cirque Executive Chef, Raphael Francois, Discusses His Craft in the Next General Society Artisan Lecture on Tuesday, November 18th at 6:30PM

• Food & Drink

The General Society Artisan Lecture Series continues on Tuesday, November 18th at 6:30PM in the General Society Library at 20 West 44th Street, New York City, when Raphael Francois, the Executive Chef for the iconic New York restaurant, Le Cirque will discuss his craft and profession.

Acclaimed Executive Chef, Raphael Francois earlier this year joined the legendary New York restaurant, Le Cirque. During his talk he will outline his path to Le Cirque and describe how contemporary American cuisine has changed; and provide insight into the responsibilities of being an Executive Chef at an iconic restaurant.

Chef Francois’ vision for the Le Cirque kitchen, shared by the owners, the Maccioni Family, includes overhauling it to upgrade techniques, which allows him to reinterpret, modernize and evolve the cuisine, including classic Le Cirque dishes; while simultaneously making his own mark on the restaurant.

Chef Francois joins Le Cirque from his Executive Chef position at the Connaught Hotel in London, which was awarded 2 Michelin stars under his watch. Prior to his tenure in the UK, Raphael cooked in some of the top Michelin starred kitchens in Paris and Brussels and was mentored by distinguished chefs including Claude Lavallée, Michel Theurel (La Maison du Boeuf), Yves Mattagne (Sea Grill), Dominique Bouchet (Hôtel de Crillon) and Hélène Darroze (the Connaught).

The next artisan lecture on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 will feature Thomas Donahue, Thomas Donahue Studio, Sculptor, Master Restorer and Art Director specializing in Historic Proportions, Materials, and Applications. The Artisan Lecture Series continues a distinguished tradition of General Society public lectures, which started in 1837. The Artisan Lecture Series pays tribute to the art of craftsmanship by featuring internationally known master artisans who describe the intricacies of their specialized crafts.

The Lectures start at 6:30 P.M. in The General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street (Between 5th and 6th Avenues), Manhattan and will be followed by a reception. Advance registration is recommended: $15 – General admission; $10 – General Society members and Senior Citizens, $5 – Students. To register please contact the General Society at: 212.840.1840, ext 2 or e-mail: [email protected]
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. The following sponsors also provide generous support: The Macquesten Companies; Peter Pennoyer Architects; and Bauer and Dean Publishers.