In a rare instance, the USA chapter of the Académie Culinaire de France, awarded the prestigious Fauteuil de l’Académie to both chef Sebastien Canonne, M.O.F. and chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founders of The French Pastry School. The “chair” award is normally given to one chef annually as a recognition of his lifetime achievement. The award was presented at ACF’s annual grand meeting in New York City in January.

Founded in 1879, the Académie Culinaire de France, is a dynamic assembly of over 1,000 distinguished chefs and representatives of the food industry including winemakers, sommeliers, restaurateurs and biologists. With the mission to "Share our Knowledge," the Académie educates and coaches aspiring chefs to perform at their best and to compete internationally. The Académie authenticates new trends, food movements, or technology, and also pays close attention to the quality of food and health issues.

The prestigious Fauteuil de l’Académie award is given to chefs whose lifetime body of work will have a long-lasting impact on the food industry. Chefs Canonne and Pfeiffer received the honor for their commitment and dedication to educating current and future pastry chefs. Each year, FPS instructs over 1,000 students through its full-time certificate programs in Pastry and Baking, Cake, and Bread; continuing education workshops; events; and community demonstrations.

“We are very honored to receive these awards as they validate our mission to ensure a continual supply of highly-trained chefs to the industry,” said Chef Canonne. “We are very proud of what we have accomplished these past 23 years at the school and now embark on a new chapter through a partnership with Robert Morris University Illinois,” said Chef Pfeiffer.