Cyril Lignac: "It's about my life, but above all about cooking"

LE FIGARO. - How was this autobiographical project born?

Cyril LIGNAC. - I do not see this work as an autobiography, but rather as the story of my journey through a reflection around the taste and pleasures of the table. It's about my life, of course, but mostly about cooking. This project was born out of an encounter - like everything that has happened to me in my life for that matter - with Elvire von Bardeleben, following an interview. A healthy and trusting relationship has been established. A few months later, she came to find me to offer to tell me about my journey which, according to her, is surprisingly unique and subject to arousing vocations.

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Elvire von Bardeleben writes that you have been difficult to convince. Where did your reluctance come from?

I actually thought long and hard about Elvire's proposal and that of Robert Laffont editions, then I let myself be convinced because it was an opportunity to write down my story, at a key moment in my journey. But above all, I wanted to show that anything is possible. With a lot of work and passion, we can all do it.

Above all, I wanted to show that anything is possible. With a lot of work and passion, we can all do it

Who is this book addressed to?

Especially young people. Those who come to me and say, "I want to be a chef!" , I answer them: "You will be a cook first!" That sums up the purpose of this book. And also to all those who would be curious to know my story.

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What did you want to tell and what would you like readers to remember?

The passion that drives me, the base that my parents gave me, my attachment to my land, the meetings that were decisive, the uniqueness of my professional career, the journey and reflection to break free from traditional codes, my inspiration ... In summary, the strong culinary emotions that punctuated my journey. You have to believe it and everyone can succeed!

Robert Laffont

"Histoires de tastes" by Cyril Lignac with Elvire von Bardeleben, Robert Laffont, 192 pages, 18 euros.