joël robuchon (, 7 april 1945 – 6 august 2018) was a french chef and restaurateur. he was born in poitiers, france. robuchon was named "chef of the century" by the guide gault millau in 1989. he was awarded the meilleur ouvrier de france (france's best worker) in cuisine in 1976. he published many cookbooks. he also hosted culinary television shows in france.