About Chef Claude Godard

New York Restaurant Consultant and Chef Claude Godard has been passionate about food and the art of cooking his entire life. Born in Burgundy into a family of prominent chefs including his grandfather, Gaston and his father, Jean-Claude, Godard received his formal training at the School of Culinary Arts in Paris.

Godard made a name for himself in France early in his career by working with some of Paris’ most renowned chefs, including Alain Dutournier and Jean-Pierre Vigato, and in some of Paris’ most renowned restaurants, including Lasserre. In 1989, Claude ventured to Johannesburg, South Africa to work in Ile de France and La Bastille.

A few years later Godard returned to Burgundy to work alongside his father in their Michelin star rated family restaurant, Restaurant Godard. While in Burgundy, he also worked alongside the distinguished, Anne Willan at the famous La Varenne Cooking School. In 1995 the French government asked Godard to prepare a state dinner for Cuban president, Fidel Castro.

Godard came to the U.S. in 1998 with the mission of making high-quality traditional French cuisine accessible to New Yorkers. After falling in love with the dynamic energy and diversity of New York, he decided to open Madison Bistro

In 2003 Godard was asked to become a member of Maitres Cuisiniers de France, joining the ranks of the world’s most renowned French chefs”Maitre Cuisiniers de France”

In 2010 Godard opened up Jeanne & Gaston in honor of his grandparents and in 2014 received “The Best French Bistro” by Zagat.

Even after receiving such notable honors, Godard prides himself in serving exquisite, yet simple French food in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

2015 The Silver Toque cane to reward some of Chef Godard’s career. He received it in Houston TX from the hand of Jean-Louis Dumonet President of French Master Chef USA/Canada.

2019 Claude Godard did integrate the well known Union Club of the City of New York as Executive Chef.