Jean-Claude Vrinat Biography

restaurant owner
Died: January 7, 2008 (Paris, France)
Best Known as: owner and director of Taillevent restaurant in Paris

Owner of the famous Taillevent restaurant in Paris for more than 30 years. Under his direction the restaurant became the pinnacle of French cuisine and the standard by which all Parisian restaurants were measured. Taillevent was founded by his father in 1946. When Vrinat took over directorship of the restaurant in 1972, Taillevent received its third Michelin star. Although Vrinat was not a chef he was known for his wine expertise. Vrinat also opened a wine shop, Les Caves Taillevent, another restaurant, L'Angle du Faubourg, and took over Paris's famous fish restaurant, Maison Prunier.