Conversation, rare: Dominique Crenn
The chef with an edge is Dominique Crenn. Growing up in Versailles, France, Crenn’s culinary expertise were finely tuned by her mother from an early age. Her father’s political career included a life of extensive travel for the family, and education of the many ingredients and flavors countries around the world had to offer. Crenn’s extensive travels lead her to San Francisco where she fell in love with the city that she now calls home. Crenn has catered private events for Vice-President Al Gore, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Juliette Binoche, Sidney Poitier, Sharon Stone, Cindy Lauper and the Japanese and Egyptian Ambassadors to France, and has been named Esquire magazines Chef of the year.
What was it like growing up in France with such an array of options of fine dining?
It was great, opens your mind and developed your palette
Was your palette well trained as a young girl?
Yes, from oysters to Foie gras, sweetbread, and caviar
What was it like growing up with a politician for a father?
Fascinating but also quite intense
Did your family influence you in many ways when it came to food?
Yes both of my parents were raised on a farm
Are you married? Dating? If so what does your other half do and are they in the culinary world as well?
A wine and spirits specialist
Are you an academically trained chef or are you self -taught?
Self taught
Where have you traveled in your food journey that you absolutely fell in love with exotic flavors?
Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, North Africa, Martinique and Indonesia. I am inspired from each of my experiences, little pocket of memories in my head
What made you decide to come to San Francisco?
In love with San Francisco
Who have you prepared meals for that you were in complete awe of there presence?
Sydney Poitier and Barack Obama
5 people that you wish to cook for?
My father that passed away 11 years ago, and everyone else.
Which restaurants have you trained at that truly taught you something you will always take with you?
Stars Restaurant in San Francisco
Anyone you look up to..Mentors, Teachers, that have got you where you are today?
My mother
Tell us about the restaurant you are a Chef at, what is the menu like?
Luce is a restaurant that embraced sustainability, as well as the seasonal, creative and poetic menu
How do you relax?
The beach, museums, movies and my friends
How does it feel to be named Chef of the year by Esquire?
Very humbling
How was your experience on Iron Chef?
Just quite amazing
What is in store for your future?
Launching Atelier Crenn In winter 2010
