Raymond Blanc

Totally self-taught, Raymond Blanc is one of Britain's best-respected chefs. Born in Besancon, the capital of the Franche Comté region in eastern France, Raymond was inspired by the local terroir, and most of all by his mother, the formidable Maman Blanc. Over the past few years, RB has written a selection of best sellers, including 'Cooking For Friends', 'A Blanc Christmas', the Sunday Times bestseller 'Recipes from Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons', and 'Foolproof French Cookery'. His most recent book, `Kitchen Secrets' accompanies the highly acclaimed second series on BBC Two. His hotel-restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Oxford has been awarded two Michelin stars for the past 26 years and in 2007 he was awarded an OBE for services to culinary excellence. www.raymondblanc.com