Chef David Bouley Wiki, Age, Obituary, Wife, Kids, Net Worth & More

All About Chef David Bouley

David Bouley (age 70, May 27, 1953 – February 12, 2024) was a celebrated American chef known for his Michelin-starred restaurants such as Bouley. He passed away at the age of 70 in his home in Kent, Connecticut on February 12, 2024, according to his agent Lisa Queen, who revealed the cause of his death.

Bouley played a vital role in shaping the culinary landscape of the 1980s, particularly in the emergence of the New American style. He elevated fine dining into an art form and set the stage for the rise of celebrity chefs. Born in Storrs, Bouley refined his culinary talents through experiences in renowned culinary destinations like France and Switzerland.

His influence was most notable in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, where he opened Montrachet in 1985. With his passing, the culinary world mourns the loss of a pioneer whose contributions to fine dining will be remembered for years to come. David Bouley’s legacy will be greatly missed.

David Bouley Background

David Bouley was born on May 27, 1953, in Storrs, Connecticut, USA, and passed away at the age of 70. Growing up on a 43-acre farm in Woonsocket, he developed a deep appreciation for fresh ingredients thanks to his parents, M. Theresa Salembier Bouley, a professor, and Henry Bouley Sr., a self-employed individual.

In 1971, David began his culinary journey at the University of Connecticut. He furthered his skills by studying at the Sorbonne in Paris. Bouley’s culinary adventures took him to various parts of the United States, including Cape Cod and Santa Fe, as well as to France and Switzerland.

In Europe, he had the opportunity to work with esteemed chefs like Roger Vergé, Paul Bocuse, Joël Robuchon, Gaston Lenôtre, Frédy Girardet, and Paul Haeberlin, which greatly influenced his cooking style.

Upon returning to New York City, Bouley left his mark in renowned restaurants such as Le Cirque, Le Périgord, and La Côte Basque. He also served as a sous chef at a restaurant in San Francisco opened by Roger Vergé.

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David Bouley’s Career 

In ’85, Bouley took the helm at Montrachet and bam! Three New York Times stars in just three weeks. ’87 rolls in, and now he’s not just the Chef, he’s the Boss at Bouley, his own spot in TriBeCa with a killer view of Duane Park. Cue a four-star love letter from the Times and a slew of James Beard Foundation awards, including Best Restaurant and Best Chef.

Fast-forward to ’97, Bouley relocates his flagship, transforming it into the Bouley Bakery. ’99 sees the birth of the Danube, a Viennese gem on Hudson Street, along with his first book, “East of Paris: The New Cuisines of Austria and the Danube.” Post 9/11, Bouley Bakery turns into a feeding station for Ground Zero heroes, dishing out over a million meals in collaboration with the Red Cross.

After reopening to the public in ’02, the bakery snags four stars from the Times and two Michelin Stars before evolving into Bouley Restaurant in ’08. But wait, there’s more! Danube also rocks two Michelin stars before becoming Brushstroke Restaurant in ’11, a fusion joint blending Bouley’s genius with the Tsuji Culinary Institute from Osaka.

And yeah, it scores two more Michelin stars. From ’05 to ’20, Bouley Test Kitchen is THE spot for top chefs and recipe brainstorms. Then in ’18, it moves to Flatiron as Bouley at Home, a culinary haven showcasing Bouley’s cooking secrets.

COVID hits, and in March ’20, the Test Kitchen shuts down, but Bouley at Home returns to TriBeCa as an R&D hub for his upcoming book, “Bouley at Home: Living Pantry.”

This maestro was a pioneer in Tasting Menus, a health guru for those with auto-immune challenges, and the proud recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from Columbia University’s Celiac Disease Center and the Rogosin Institute.

In ’15, he broke barriers as the first non-Japanese Washoku Goodwill Ambassador, recognized by the Japanese Government for promoting the “harmony of food.”

Bouley’s mantra? “Unbreakable health” through pure, organic, wild-caught, grass-fed, and foraged ingredients. The guy even drops wisdom as a commencement speaker at the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.

And just when you think he’s done it all, in 2020, right smack in the middle of the pandemic chaos, the French Government dubs Bouley a Knight in the Order of Agricultural Merit. Sir Bouley, culinary knight extraordinaire!

David Bouley’s Married Life

David Bouley, the renowned chef, was happily married to Nicole Bartelme, an artist and the brains behind the TriBeCa Film Festival. Their love story, which unfolded over several years, culminated in a grand union in 2006, set against the scenic backdrop of the Loire Valley in France.

Bouley, known for his social charm, enjoyed connecting with people, as evident from his Instagram account, where he shared moments from his culinary adventures and everyday life.

On the other hand, Nicole preferred a more private approach, keeping a low profile with a private Instagram account, away from the camera limelight.

David Bouley FAQs

Ques: How old was David Bouley?

Ans: David was 70.

Ques: How did David Bouley die?

Ans: Heart Attack.

Ques: Who is David Bouley’s wife?

Ans: Nicole Bartelme.