Bertrand Grébaut, a significant figure in French culinary circles, passed away at the age of 44 in Paris on Thursday. He was the creative force behind the lauded restaurant Septime, which played a crucial role in blending formal haute cuisine with the traditional flavors of bistro fare.

Théophile Pourriat, Grébaut’s business partner, made the announcement of his passing on the restaurant’s Instagram page. Bertrand Grébaut had been diagnosed with cancer the previous fall and had since limited his activities.

The journey of Septime began in 2011, inspired by Monsieur Septime, a character from the 1966 comedy film Le Grand Restaurant featuring Louis de Funès. This venture coincided with a shift among some American chefs who were exploring farm-to-table dining in more relaxed environments, in contrast to the stagnancy seen in many French establishments at the time.

Grébaut was part of a new wave of young chefs in France eager to innovate. He strategically chose a location in the 11th arrondissement on the Right Bank, diverging from the traditional dining hubs of Paris. This area offered a departure from the classic brasseries and cafes of the Left Bank, both for tourists and locals.

In a previous interview, Grébaut reflected on his choice to move there, noting his background in upscale Left Bank restaurants that served a clientele different from himself. He expressed a particular affinity for his new neighborhood, which provided him with “energy,” “creative freedom,” and a “more open-minded and activist population.”