Top Chef Victor Beats Cancer to Win Highest Quality Food Award #Blog

Taste Cheshire
7th November 2014

As he lay in a hospital bed suffering from a rare form of life-threatening cancer, leading international chef Victor Janssen thought his days in the kitchen were at an end.

But after a brave two-year battle to beat the disease he was able to return to the restaurant in Cheshire he runs with his wife Lynne.

And now the couple are celebrating another success after their renowned eaterie La Popote in Marton Village near Macclesfield achieved the Highest Quality Taste Accreditation from Taste Northwest assessed by Quality in Tourism on behalf of VisitEngland.

The nightmare began after Victor was experiencing long periods of extreme fatigue and constant coughing so Lynne finally persuaded him to see a doctor.

“He gave me a thorough examination including blood tests that showed up leukaemia,” said 65-year-old Victor.  “It was absolutely shocking to be given that news, it’s something I will never forget.”

The diagnosis was acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive cancer of the white blood cells, and he was rushed to the Christie Hospital in Manchester where he spent his first month there in isolation.

Acute myeloid leukaemia is rare. In the UK, around 8,600 people are diagnosed each year with leukaemia and of those just over 2,600 people have the disease which is most common in people over 65 years old.

“Victor spent the next 18 months in hospital undergoing treatment including several intensive courses of chemotherapy, and underwent two vital bone marrow transplants sourced from an anonymous donor from Germany,” said Lynne, 60.

“This was done through the vehicle of the wonderful Anthony Nolan, who  work  closely with The Christie.

“We hope one day to be able to meet the donor and thank him in person for saving Victor’s life.

“Slowly but surely, along with the loving support of his family and the outstanding hospital care at the Christie, he weathered the storm.”

“And after nearly two very challenging years, miraculously regained his strength enough to get back in the kitchen.”

Victor and Lynne spent most of their early years in South Africa where they won many awards and accolades including catering for dignitaries such as Prince Philip and two South African presidents.

In 1974 they opened their original La Popote (the French word for a small cooking pot) and during the following 12 years it became a highly successful and legendary restaurant.

They first came to the UK in 2000 to take over the running of Minmore House, a small country house hotel at Glenlivet, Speyside, where they won a string of awards for quality of food and hospitality.

But they wanted a venue of their own, and nine years later, they moved to Cheshire and opened a small restaurant, coffee shop and farm shop in Marton which has become La Popote Restaurant and Garden.

“Since his recovery Victor is now back doing what he loves best and the business has just gone from strength to strength,” added Lynne.

“So now we surely have something else to celebrate and we do give a heartfelt thank you to Taste Northwest for this recognition.”

Mark Loynton, Managing Director of Taste Northwest, said: “We’re pleased to showcase great eateries such as La Popote that offer great food combined with an inviting environment and a commitment to excellent customer service.

“But I’m particularly proud to make this award to La Popote because of Victor’s courageous struggle to overcome this deadly disease which is surely an inspiration to everyone.”

La Popote and Garden joins other successfully accredited dining venues in the North West and can distinguish itself to customers with a presence on www.tastenw.co.uk as well as Taste Northwest’s mark of quality promoting quality assurances in food and service.

It will also be promoted further through Taste Northwest’s partnership with organizations like the Liverpool Enterprise Partnership and Marketing Cheshire, to attract food lovers looking for a quality dining experience across the North West.

Additionally, La Popote and Garden will now be able to take part in Taste Northwests’ Talented Young Chef and Host initiative by hosting a dinner, helping promote young people in the industry.