Thierry Rautureau, The Chef in the Hat

On a farm in the Muscadet region of France, Thierry learned seasonal ingredients as he and his mother cooked for family. After graduation at 14, more schooling didn't appeal. The family was poor and Thierry wanted a job. His mother suggested cooking-when you cook, you'll have a roof over your head and a meal. Very practical.

A two-year apprenticeship in Anjou led him to Le Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, Chamonix in the Alps and Hendaye in Basque country. Seeing an ad for cooks in the U.S., he decided to go for six months. It was 1978 and Chicago: he stayed 3-1/2 years at La Fontaine. While there, he started a lifelong friendship with Cyril Frechier and eventually they moved to Los Angeles. Thierry worked at the Regency Club and then The Seven Street Bistro, where he stayed for nearly four years.

Here he met his future wife, Kathy. They married after dating three years. Cyril moved to Seattle and Thierry and Kathy visited. They went to dinner at a place called Rover's in Madison Valley that, as things turn out, was for sale. With another couple, they bought it in 1987. Cyril became the wine director. After three years, Thierry bought out the partnership. Cyril stayed for 15 years.

Success for Rover's came from outside Seattle. National food writers came and wrote up the amazing food. Awards were won; out-of-towners loved it. In the early days, 70% of guests were from out of town. About 2006, it became 70% from Seattle. Rover's was a Seattle icon until its closure in June of 2013.

In 2010, he opened Luc, named after his father, just around the corner from Rover's. It's a casual bistro where people can drop in for a full meal or a small plate and a beer.

In late 2013, he opened Loulay, named after the town he was born in. It's a large urban, modern brasserie located at the Sheraton hotel, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Thierry has done a radio show with Tom Douglas, Seattle Kitchen, since 2004, and is part of many fundraisers and events.

www.thechefinthehat.com