The late Auguste Gusteau, France’s all-time greatest culinary genius, is the author of Anyone Can Cook, the cookbook that inspires Remy's dream of becoming a chef. Gusteau's Paris restaurant became a landmark on the strength of his imaginative vision and masterful preparation, which simultaneously honored and played with the traditions of French cuisine. Gusteau died mysteriously soon after his restaurant was downgraded from five stars to four (by Monsieur Ego), but his spirit lives on in his recipes and Remy’s imagination—the great chef is a recurring figure as Remy’s imaginary soul
mate and counselor.