La Pyramide

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fernand Point's (1897-1955) La Pyramide was a Michelin Guide 3-star restaurant located in Vienne, France. It was widely believed to be the best restaurant in France while Point was alive.

Point was born Louhans 1897. A larger-than-life man in every way, he was his generation's master of la grande cuisine, simplifying the work of Escoffier. Point's proteges became masters of the Nouvelle cuisine of the 1960s and 1970s. They include Paul Bocuse, Alain Chapel, Francois Bise, Louis Outhier, and Jean and Pierre Troisgros. Georges Perrier trained at La Pyramide prior to founding Le Bec-Fin.

La Pyramide was named after a nearby Roman Pyramid that had marked the turn of a chariot racetrack. After his death, his widow, Mado, carried on and maintained the 3-stars for many years.

Thomas Keller of Napa Valley's French Laundry has cited Point's work as being very significant to his training.