“There’s no burden in life, or failure. There’s only opportunity.” – Chef Dominique
Chef Dominique Crenn is no stranger to adversity. She has used that to her advantage, even at a young age, knowing that there is growth in struggle.
She was adopted as a toddler in Versailles, France and grew into a Poet, Activist, and Chef. In her early twenties, she flew to San Francisco and never looked back. Instantly taken aback by its resemblance to her summer memories of Brittany, off the coast of France, she has built a strong culinary community in the city and across her four restaurants. Chef Dominique is the only woman in the U.S. with 3 Michelin Stars.
Rebel Chef – In Search of What Matters is her second book. This autobiography recounts her journey filled with curiosity and independence that was fostered by her political father and supportive, practical mother. Dive into her ups and downs, opportunities, challenges, children, relationships, surviving breast cancer, and her humanitarian heart.
After experiencing an accident at home, she was confronted with her mortality and decided it was time to finally open her own restaurant. It’s a beautifully deep recount of a woman who keeps moving forward, lives her truth, and rises to any challenge. Her passion for humanity and the environment shines through in her art and relationships.
“Food is a form of activism.” — Chef Dominique
Things we cover in this episode:
- Of course, we talk about food! Listen in on how to make a killer grilled cheese, 3-Michelin star-worthy
- Lessons from her twin daughters
- How she stepped up at 9 years old to cook for her family while her mother was sick
- Her passion and support for small business
- What life should look like post-COVID-19
- Her approach to leadership and hiring staff
- Rapid-fire Q&A about salt, David Bowie, books, Maria Bello, nicknames, and that insane grilled cheese
Connect with Chef Dominique
- Read Rebel Chef: In Search of What Matters
- Read Atelier Crenn: Metamorphosis of Taste
- Visit Chef Dominique’s San Francisco restaurants:
- Atelier Crenn 3-Michelin stars & World’s 50 Best Restaurants
- Bar Crenn 1-Michelin star
- Petit Crenn
- Boutique Crenn
- Follow @dominiquecrenn on Instagram
Chef Dominique’s Book Recommends
- The Little Prince
- The Essential Rumi
- La Fumée Au-Dessus du Toit about Chef Dominique’s family
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