Christophe Marguin is not only a recognized chef in Lyon (Rhône).
The president of the Toques Blanches Lyonnaises is also a keen collector.
In his restaurant Le Président, he had 169 jackets framed which were worn by the greatest chefs.
For a long time, he also amassed Michelin guides.
But his greatest collection are the menus that he stacks in the kitchens of his restaurant.
Christophe Marguin has 4,600, imperial, presidential, royal.
“I started in 1986 when I was working in Paris.
I bought five menu binders that belonged to an old chef.
Inside, I find menus from Presidents of the Republic, the Queen of England, Auguste Escoffier (the inventor of modern gastronomy).
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“Giscard loved caviar”
This is how, over the years, Chef Marguin has created a unique collection in the world, which covers 150 years of history.
The oldest menus date from the Napoleon III era.
Latest acquisition, the one served to the King of England Charles III at Versailles last September.
Christophe Marguin also has the breakfast menu for the wedding of Charles and Diana and the dinners given in honor of the Kennedy couple in 1961. Treasures which he has now reluctantly decided to part with, his sons do not not being interested in his collection: “I have one regret.
I am the only menu collector of my generation.
» The sale is scheduled for May 31 in Paris.
It is organized by the Millon house.
When he talks about these historic menus, the Lyon chef has no shortage of juicy anecdotes: “The two presidents who benefited the most?
Giscard and Mitterrand.
They ate everything that was most expensive and most beautiful.
Giscard loved caviar.
» His collection is valued at between 100,000 and 150,000 euros.
On May 29 and 30, the menus will be the subject of an exhibition open to the general public at 3, rue Rossini, Paris 9th.