Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

The inscription on the tomb reads, “Member of the Constituent Assembly – Councillor at the Court of Cassation”. A stark simplicity that belies the colourful life and enduring legacy of the man it commemorates: Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. Here, in the Parisian Père Lachaise cemetery, lies the man who, unlike many of his contemporaries, decided to spend his latter years not writing his political memoirs but penning a philosophical exploration of the joys of the table. In his world-renowned masterpiece, “Physiology of Taste”, he elevated eating to an art form, a science, and a window into the human soul. He declared that “The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a new star.” His words, imbued with wit and wisdom, continue to resonate centuries later, a testament to the enduring power of culinary delights. Brillat-Savarin’s tomb is a sobering reminder of the man, a true gourmand, whose life was marked by adventure and intellectual curiosity. He was a lawyer, a politician, a composer, a violinist, a chef, and above all, a lover of good food. He experienced exile in Switzerland and America, where he even taught a French chef the art of the perfect scrambled eggs. His life was a testament to the idea that the pleasures of the table are truly universal, transcending all forms of political turmoil. Brillat-Savarin’s legacy lives on, not simply through his eloquent words, but through the countless kitchens and dining tables that embody his philosophy of savouring life’s simple, yet profound, luxuries. So, as you stand before his resting place, remember the words of this culinary sage, “Tell me what you eat; I will tell you what you are.” You can almost imagine his spirit lingering amongst the headstones, whispering tales of delicious meals and the art of living well.