OBE for chef Franco
Abergavenny Chronicle - 27 February 2003
DESPITE retiring almost two years ago, Abergavenny chef Franco Taruschio is rarely far away from the kitchen.
Even after being presented with an honorary OBE by Welsh secretary Peter Hain on Monday, he returned to
Abergavenny to cook a celebration dinner for family and friends.
The energetic chef, who transformed the Walnut Tree Inn at Llanddewi Skirrid into a leading restaurant
was honoured with the award in recognition of his services to the industry and to Monmouthshire.
Welsh Secretary Peter Hain congratulated Franco on his award, saying he had achieved great distinction as a chef and restaurateur.
“Franco’s dedication to his art, passion for his subject and embracing personality are qualities most in the culinary industry both
envy and aspire to.
“The award of the honorary OBE is well deserved. Franco always did his utmost to source local ingredients
and, by doing so, help with Welsh food promotion. I am sure today’s award will be warmly welcomed by many people in
Abergavenny and in the wider community in Monmouthshire,” said Mr Hain.
Franco Taruschio was born in Montefano, Italy in 1938 and at 16 went to Hotel School in Bellagio on Lake Como.
During his training, he worked in Switzerland and France before arriving in UK in 1960.
In 1963 he and his wife Ann bought the Walnut Tree Inn, where they remained until retiring in February 2001. The couple have
written five cookery books, one of which accompanied a six-part cookery series for BBC Wales television.
Franco, who is president of St Anne’s Hospice at Newport and teaches at the Hill campus of Coleg Gwent, said he was surprised
and greatly honoured to receive the award. “I would like to thank the unknown people who nominated me,” he said.
“He is a bit of a whirlwind,” admits Anne. Franco seems to think that retirement is spelled work,” she joked.
