French chef Joel Robuchon, the world's m

French chef Joel Robuchon, the world's most starred Chef with a total of 24 stars in the French Michelin 2008 Guide (culinary bible) poses on December 29, 2008 in Monaco where he launched this month his first ever Japanese restaurant "Yoshi", at "Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo". At the head of 16 restaurants worldwide, Robuchon, 63, initially learned to cook with nuns. With 24 Michelin stars, the chef is well ahead of his nearest competitor and rival compatriot Alain Ducasse, who has 16, or Britain's Gordon Ramsay, with 12. US chef Thomas Keller is next with seven. AFP PHOTO VALERY HACHE (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)