We've all seen on TV how top chefs can drive their kitchen staff to perfection (and distraction) and apparently it is more common than you might think in French Michelin starred restaurants. Late last year 5 starred chefs launched a campaign to end bullying in top kitchens and now a row has erupted over the practices of Joel Robluchon, one of France's most celebrated chefs. Having set up award winning restaurants around the world his attempts (aided by his right hand man chef Tomonori Danzaki) to gain a third star for the prestigious Bordeaux chateau la Grande Maison have attracted scandal including threats of court action by disgruntled staff.
Industry sources claim that Robluchon recruits twice as many staff as needed and fires those who cannot stand the heat - which includes verbal and physical abuse, long hours and no contracts ("we are so busy we don't always have time for administration" ).
One employee who quit after 2 days wrote to the hotel director to say that the pursuit of Michelin stars was laudable, but not at the expense of the health and sanity of the kitchen staff who were being treated like "dogs, brutes and worthless". Sadly, the prestige of having worked in a top kitchen can make the career of a young chef and 3 Michelin stars takes more than winning "Masterchef".
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