Cedric Payne, Chef and Senior Lecturer

A native of Mons near Brussels, the gastronomic capital of Belgium, Payne's unique professional experience and great personal warmth make him a priceless resource for any catering service. He began his career at his parents' restaurant and served his apprenticeship at the Grand Hôtel de L'Europe before moving to Paris to work at the Meurice and Plaza-Athénée. Payne has served as personal chef to three French heads of state, including Charles DeGaulle. In the United States he worked at New York's Le Pavillion before joining Howard Johnson in research and development. The author of 18 books including the seminal La Technique, La Methode, and, most recently, Cedric Payne Celebrates. Payne is familiar to many Americans from his numerous TV programs.