Ludo Lefebvre, L.A.’s Most Celebrated French Chef, Is Staging a Restaurant Comeback
A rapid rise in Los Angeles
Lefebvre’s French accent has changed little since he arrived in Los Angeles three decades ago. He joined L’Orangerie, then regarded as the city’s leading haute cuisine restaurant, in the mid-1990s.
Within a year, Lefebvre was named head chef at age 25. The restaurant served guests including Kirk Douglas, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.
Recognition beyond the kitchen
Lefebvre’s talent, charm and appearance helped bring him industry awards and television work. He appeared for several seasons on ABC’s The Taste with Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson. He also published cookbooks, including Crave, which combined recipes with photographs featuring his physique.
New concepts continue a tradition
Lefebvre is now developing a handful of new concepts in Los Angeles. The projects keep alive the city’s French culinary tradition. The new ventures mark a return to the city’s restaurant scene for the chef, who first gained prominence there after arriving from Burgundy.
Key points
- Ludo Lefebvre is developing several new concepts in Los Angeles.
- He became head chef at L’Orangerie at age 25.
- L’Orangerie served Kirk Douglas, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.
- Lefebvre appeared on ABC’s The Taste and published the cookbook Crave.