Culinary superstar Joel Robuchon dies at 73

Michelin-starred French master chef Joel Robuchon has died at 73 from cancer.

For years Robuchon was the holder of the most Michelin stars in the world, and was crowned cook of the century in 1990 by the guide Gault Millau.

His reputation was built on shaking up the rigid world of French haute cuisine with elevated dishes using simple ingredients, usually only three or four in one dish.

He built his restaurant empire on his "Atelier" business model that offered diners small, intimate restaurants where they could see the action in the kitchen unfold.

Robuchon’s philosophy of putting the food first was a hit with both diners and critics, with his worldwide group of Ateliers notching up a record 32 Michelin stars in 2016. They still held 31 stars this year, including five three-star restaurants.

Robuchon stepped away from the burners in 1996, at the age of 51, saying it is important to know when to quit.

"A great chef has to be in great shape. Cooking is tough. It's like being an athlete who has to stay really fit," he told The Associated Press at the time.

Sheridan Randall - 7th August 2018