André Soltner As the chef at New York City's legendary André Lutèce, Soltner elevated some of the world's finest, classic French cuisine to a high art form worthy of global acclaim. Chef Soltner brought items such as shallots and crème fraîche to America for the first time. In 1994, Soltner sold the restaurant to new ownership, but the doors finally closed in 2004. Experience André Soltner began his culinary career at the Hôtel du Parc in Mulhouse, Alsace, at the age of 15. He then rose to the position of chef at Chez Hansi in Paris. In 1961, Soltner moved to America and teamed up with Andre Surmain to open Lutèce restaurant in Manhattan.Soltner earned more than 25 awards, including the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, the Officier du Mérite National, the Chevalier du Mérite Agricole, the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, and most recently, the Legion d'Honneur. About Food & Wine Food & Wine, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for anyone passionate about the culinary world. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine. Learn more about us and our editorial process.