Paul Haeberlin

Background

Haeberlin was born in the village of Illhaeusern in the Alsace region of France.

Career

He was the owner of Auberge de l’Illinois, a classical French restaurant, which was first awarded a 3-star Michelin Rating in 1967 and continues to be one of the oldest 3-star establishments in France. His restaurant has served as a school for many of the world"s premier French chefs, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys. Haeberlin was known for his innovative new versions of traditional Alsace dishes.

With the aim of "revolutioniz previous conceptions of French cuisine", it was Haeberlin’s unique style which helped to define what would eventually become nouvelle cuisine.

He received his first Michelin star in 1952, the second in 1957, and the maximum three in 1967. Haeberlin died in Illhaeusern on the 10th of May 2008.

According to Michel Scheer (manager of Auberge de l’Illinois), he had been "suffering from kidney and heart disease, among other ailments".

Achievements

• lieutenant has retained them ever since. An unbroken record bettered only by Paul Bocuse, who achieved his third star two years earlier.