Raymond Blanc receives OBE

Raymond Blanc will be presented with an honorary OBE later today in recognition of his services to the British food industry.

Blanc, who has lived in the UK for the past 30 years, will offficially be given the honour by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham at his offices in London this afternoon.

The self-taught chef, whose restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat` Saisons has held two Michelin Stars for almost a quarter of a century, said he was "delighted and proud" to receive the honour.

"Being French, I have an almost innate love of the best cuisine and produce. I am thrilled that building my successful career in cooking has grown alongside building an awareness and appreciation of good food, healthy dishes and quality produce for British palates."

Although the Queen gives honorary awards to non-UK citizens, it is not customary for her to present them, which is why they are presented by the government minister appropriate to the service rendered.

Burnham said: "His (Blanc`s) restaurant and country house hotel are by-words for excellence and quality. Raymond has done an outstanding job in promoting culinary excellence not only to the British public, but for Britain itself, and has helped to raise awareness of the importance of healthy, nutritious food.

"By basing his superb restaurant and hotel in Oxford, Raymond has helped to build the reputation that this country as a whole has as a place for fantastic food, with not only the most diverse varieties, but the best quality food in the world."

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