L'Académie de Brillat-Savarin

The Académie de Gastronomie Brillat-Savarin (“Académie”) is both a discrete organization and part of the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs (“Society”). Its purpose is to encourage a technical and detailed understanding of foods, their preparation and effect on the senses; organize and promote excellence among the Society’s Professionals involved in the Food Industry. The Académie shall be composed of Members of the Society who are either involved in preparation of foods or its production, food critics, educators, writers, scientists as well as gastronomes and connoisseurs (amateurs) dedicated to promoting education and enjoyment of fine food.

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The Mission of the Académie

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It is the mission of the Académie to recognize individuals in the above categories by presenting them the Académie Brillat-Savarin Medal.* In addition a Jeune (Young) Professional will receive a financial achievement award. These awards will be presented by a member of the Académie.** The Académie works closely with the Chaîne Foundation for the camaraderie and goals of the Society. The Académie plans to have two travel-related events a year for its members and various events throughout the United States.

 

History of Brilliat-Savarin

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Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826) Born in the town of Belley, Ain, France, he studied law, chemistry and medicine. In 1789 he was part of the National Constituent Assembly. He adopted his second surname upon the death of his aunt named Savarin who left her entire fortune to him on the condition that he adopt her name. At a later stage of the Revolution, with a bounty on his head, he went to Switzerland, Holland, and then to the newly formed United States where he lived in Boston, Hartford, and Philadelphia. He made his living giving French and violin lessons. He returned to France in 1797. His famous work, The Physiology of Taste, was published in 1825, two months before his death. This book has not been out of print since it first appeared.

 

Brillat-Savarin cheese and the Gateau Savarin are named in his honor.