Episode 275. Chef Thierry Rateureau – Nicknamed “The Chef in the Hat” & Chef/Owner of Loulay and Luc Restaurants (1959-2023)
Nicknamed “The Chef In The Hat” for his signature headwear, he was a renowned chef & restaurateur, especially in the Pacific Northwest of the United States & Seattle, Washington area.
Thierry Rautureau was born & raised in the Muscadet region of France, where he first developed an interest in cooking, honing his skills in the kitchens of several Michelin-starred restaurants.
He made a significant impact on the culinary scene in Seattle, Washington & was the chef/owner of Loulay and Luc restaurants in Seattle, Washington.
Chef Rautureau apprenticed in Anjou, France, & during the 1980s, seeking to broaden his experience; at 20, he moved to the United States to work at several fine restaurants.
In 1987, he became the chef/owner of Rover’s Restaurant, which quickly became known for its exquisite French cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist; & under Rautureau’s leadership, it earned a distinguished reputation, becoming a staple of the Seattle fine-dining scene for over 25 years & helped make him 1 of the most recognizable chefs around Seattle, before closing its doors in 2013.
Rautureau won various awards, including the 1998 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest, & the French government awarded him the Chevalier de l’Ordre Du Mérite Agricole.
In 2010, Chef Rautureau opened Luc, a French-American café & bar in Madison Valley, Washington; he opened Loulay Kitchen & Bar, a French-American café & bar named after his father, which was praised for its casual yet sophisticated bistro fare that balanced the upscale aura of Rover’s with the cozy country-style cooking he enjoyed growing up on a farm in France.
Then, in 2013, he opened Loulay Kitchen & Bar, a restaurant that marries the French influence of his upbringing with modern, local, and seasonal ingredients.
His personality & expertise led him to participate in various media & culinary events, including appearances on radio programs & cooking competitions.
***Sadly, Thierry passed on October 29th, 2023, at age 64, after a long battle with an autoimmune disease that affected his lungs.