Chef Aurรฉlien Dufour was born amidst the rich food and wine culture of Bordeaux, and spent his childhood in Germany where he was introduced to the charcuterie tradition. Aurรฉlienโs natural talent for charcuterie was apparent, and he learned from the talented Chef Gรฉrard Berranger, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France-distinguished Charcutier (the highest and most prestigious award in France in the food in
dustry). There, Aurรฉlien learned the technique and tradition of French charcuterie, steeped in history, with recipes passed down over generations. He mastered pรขtรฉs, terrines, galantines, ballotines, crรฉpinettes and sausages, and also participated in many charcuterie competitions. He won second place at the prestigious Best Young Chef in Charcuterie award at age 19 and has since placed within the top 3 in every competition. Aurรฉlien Dufour has worked in the food industry for nearly 15 years, including six years in New York City, as Chef Charcutier for the prestigious Chef Daniel Boulud and his restaurant group. Since his debut in NYC, Aurรฉlien has gained recognition from the press and has upheld a strong reputation amongst his industry peers for the quality of his work, his dedication, and exceptional savoir-faire that only very few know in the United States. In 2013, Aurรฉlien was recognized by Star Chefs as a Rising Star in the Artisan Category, was also named by Zagat, the reputable restaurant guide, as a 30 under 30 Best Chef. In February 2016, he was inducted into the prestigious and exclusive association of Maรฎtres Cuisiniers de France. which preserves and spreads the French culinary arts, encourages training in cuisine, and supports professional development. Awards & Accolades:
-3rd place at the โPรขtรฉ-croรปteโ World Cup Championship at Tain lโHermitage, France (2015)
-New York Rising Star Chef Best Artisan Award by StarChefs.com (2013)
-30 under 30 Best Chef from the prestigious restaurant guide Zagat (2013)
-Inducted into the prestigious and exclusive association of Maรฎtres Cuisiniers de France (February 2016)
-3rd place at the European Catering Cup in Nantes, France (2009)
-2nd place at ยซ Concours National du Chef Charcutier Traiteur ยป in Paris, France (2008)
-2nd place at ยซ Concours National Charcutier Traiteur Jeunes Talents ยป in Rouen, France (2007)
-2nd place at ยซ Concours dโAngoulรชme ยป in Angoulรชme, France (2006)