Story of a Foodist

Fred travelled the world and the seven seas; well, not quite, but after studying for a PhD in Chemical Engineering at Georgia Tech, he joined Corporate America and criss-crossed Europe, Asia and America for 15 years. Being French of course he loved food – maybe because of his grand-father who while working night shift for the French Post Office maintained an amazing vegetable garden all his life which sustained all his family. Or maybe because of the 3 course meals his mum prepared every lunch and dinner – and that he took for granted … until he left home.

Living abroad for over 10 years and traveling for 10 years after that made him also love the discovery of other cultures. And one of his first and systematic steps of that discovery in any new country was always a meal, ideally a somewhat traditional meal, like Thanksgiving when he moved to America.

But Fred was hungry for a bit more: more understanding of why people eat what they eat and do what they do; in short more cultural perspective. So over time he built a vision of helping people discover culture through food with simple narrative and culinary experiences. And when his company relocated from Paris to Geneva he knew it was time for him to say good-bye to 15 years of corporate America and follow that dream. After intensive cooking classes with Alain Ducasse Formation, he joined “Hautes Etudes du Goût” (the High Studies of Taste) and graduated with a bachelor in from the University of Reims in Champagne. And Le Foodist was born.

The woman behind Le Foodist

Amanda was born and raised in Kent, England and was always eager to go and travel the world.  This is how she met Fred 20 years ago - in Atlanta actually.  Trained in different fields, member of Wabi Sabi and also a talented ceramist, she also has a true talent for making places feel right and people at home.  We are blessed she is teaching several of the pâtisserie classes as well as making Le Foodist as beautiful and special as it is.  Amanda has also been a vegetarian for over 25 years and is contemplating launching a series of vegetarian classes with Le Foodist.

Stéphane, the wine esthete

From the age of 18, our sommelier Stéphane has focused his energy in advancing his knowledge of wines and the wines world through its multiple angles.  After working as a sommelier waiter in internationally recognized gourmet restaurants in France and abroad, he enhanced his expertise in a cellar master course in Bordeaux.  He managed a famous Parisian cellar for several years and also beame the animator for a wine tasting club during that time.     

His curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to open an e-commerce site focused solely on wine and champagne, for which he furhter developed his multiple relationships with producers.  As an epicueran and gastronome, Stéphane likes to share his passion with men and women from around the world to explore the wonderful sensations and pleasures that wine can bring, but always in a simple and fun way.

Cheers!