Thomas Keller Honored For Lifetime Achievement

With regards to modern American chefs, few are more influential than Thomas Keller. S.Pellegrino honored the chef with their annual lifetime achievement award last month at The World's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony, and on Monday his friends and fellow industry stars held a celebration in his honor.

Among the chefs invited to celebrate Keller's accomplishments at the luncheon in New York City were Jonathan Benno (Lincoln Ristorante), Laurent Gras, Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park, Nomad), David Kinch (Manresa), Matthew Lightner (Atera), and Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin). The event was held at Keller's New York City restaurant, Per Se (which placed 6th in S.Pellegrino's 2012 list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants). 

S.Pellegrino began publishing its list of the world's best restaurants in 2002 — Keller's Yountville, Calif. restaurant, The French Laundry clinched the number one spot in 2003 and 2004, and has been included in the list all 10 years (along with Per Se).

"I am very proud to be part of the distinguished group of past recipients of the S.Pellegrino Lifetime Achievement Award," said Keller in a statement this morning. "The World's 50 Best Restaurant awards cast a spotlight on our profession, helping to recognize the best and the brightest in the industry. Maintaining a keen eye on tomorrow and where the industry is going is very important, and we must continue to set an example for the next generation. If we succeed with this, then we will truly impact the culinary profession in a positive way and help maintain and leave a legacy to those who follow in our footsteps."

Previous recipients of the award include Alice Waters, Paul Bocuse, and Joël Robuchon. 

To learn more about Keller's full career you can check out our video interviews with him 'At the Chef's Table'