André Soltner


André Soltner is an internationally recognized French chef and author working in the United States.

Background

Soltner started his career at the age of 15 at the Hôtel du Parc, Mulhouse, in his native Alsace and later became chef-owner of New York City's French restaurant Lutèce, which achieved a four-star rating from The New York Times.
Soltner missed only 5 days of work in 34 years at Lutèce.

Achievements

André has received more than 25 awards, including the French government's prestigious Légion d'honneur and Officier du Mérite National. Highlights of his other recognitions include the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and the Chevalier du Mérite Agricole
Soltner is a member of several culinary organizations including the American Institute of Wine & Food, for which he and his wife Simone established the André and Simone Soltner Food Education Scholarship to assist applicants seeking a culinary career. Soltner is a member of the American Culinary Federation, the Chef de Cuisine Association of America, and the Société de Cuisiniers de France. He previously served for more than 20 years as Délegué Général of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and is a trustee of the Société Culinaire Philanthropique. He co-authored of The Lutèce Cookbook.
On 13 May 2010, Soltner, along with other chefs from the French Culinary Institute , prepared a $30,000-per-couple dinner for U.S. President Barack Obama's fund-raiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at Manhattan's St. Regis hotel.

Soltner today

Soltner serves as Dean of Classic Studies at the French Culinary Institute, part of the new International Culinary Center, in New York City.