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Rebel Chef: In Search of What Matters
The inspiring and deeply personal memoir from highly acclaimed chef Dominique Crenn
When Dominique Crenn was awarded three Michelin Stars in 2018 for her influential San Francisco restaurant Atelier Crenn, she became the first female chef in the United States to receive this highly coveted honor. As the first female chef in the United States to receive any stars from the prestigious Michelin restaurant guide, she had previously made waves as the first female executive chef in Indonesia. These were no small feats for someone who hadn't gone to culinary school or been formally trained in French kitchens. In Rebel Chef, Crenn reflects on her untraditional coming of age as a chef, beginning with her happy childhood in Versailles where, as the adopted daughter of a politician, she was emboldened to be curious and independent, and to find her own voice. She was exposed to fine dining from a young age, and a family friend, a restaurant critic, encouraged her to see the story behind the food. But at 21, after deciding to become a chef, Crenn found it to be a near impossible dream in France, where men dominated the kitchens. Never one to be told no, she moved to San Francisco to work under the legendary Jeremiah Tower. It was there that her training began.
But there is another reason Crenn has always felt free to pursue her own unconventional course. Adopted as a toddler, she didn't resemble her parents, or even look traditionally French. Growing up she often felt like an outsider, and was haunted by a past she knew nothing about. But after years of working to fill this blank space, Crenn recognized this duality as a source of strength, one which gives her the power to be whoever she wants to be.
Filled with stories from the years Crenn spent working in the male-centric world of professional kitchens, tracking her career from struggling cook to being named the World's Best Female Chef, starring on Netflix's "Chef's Table," and running one the world's most acclaimed restaurants - while at the same time speaking out on restaurant culture, sexism, immigration, and climate change - Rebel Chef is a disarmingly honest and revealing look at one woman's evolution from a daring young chef to a respected activist. At once a tale of personal discovery and a tribute to unrelenting determination, Rebel Chef is the story of one woman making a place for herself in the kitchen, and in the world.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 8hrs.
©2020 Dominique Crenn and Emma Brockes (P)2020 Penguin Audio
When Dominique Crenn was awarded three Michelin Stars in 2018 for her influential San Francisco restaurant Atelier Crenn, she became the first female chef in the United States to receive this highly coveted honor. As the first female chef in the United States to receive any stars from the prestigious Michelin restaurant guide, she had previously made waves as the first female executive chef in Indonesia. These were no small feats for someone who hadn't gone to culinary school or been formally trained in French kitchens. In Rebel Chef, Crenn reflects on her untraditional coming of age as a chef, beginning with her happy childhood in Versailles where, as the adopted daughter of a politician, she was emboldened to be curious and independent, and to find her own voice. She was exposed to fine dining from a young age, and a family friend, a restaurant critic, encouraged her to see the story behind the food. But at 21, after deciding to become a chef, Crenn found it to be a near impossible dream in France, where men dominated the kitchens. Never one to be told no, she moved to San Francisco to work under the legendary Jeremiah Tower. It was there that her training began.
But there is another reason Crenn has always felt free to pursue her own unconventional course. Adopted as a toddler, she didn't resemble her parents, or even look traditionally French. Growing up she often felt like an outsider, and was haunted by a past she knew nothing about. But after years of working to fill this blank space, Crenn recognized this duality as a source of strength, one which gives her the power to be whoever she wants to be.
Filled with stories from the years Crenn spent working in the male-centric world of professional kitchens, tracking her career from struggling cook to being named the World's Best Female Chef, starring on Netflix's "Chef's Table," and running one the world's most acclaimed restaurants - while at the same time speaking out on restaurant culture, sexism, immigration, and climate change - Rebel Chef is a disarmingly honest and revealing look at one woman's evolution from a daring young chef to a respected activist. At once a tale of personal discovery and a tribute to unrelenting determination, Rebel Chef is the story of one woman making a place for herself in the kitchen, and in the world.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 8hrs.
©2020 Dominique Crenn and Emma Brockes (P)2020 Penguin Audio
Audiobook
First published June 9, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 27, 2020
3.5 Stars, rounded up to 4.
Rebel Chef is the story of Dominique Crenn, from her adoption and childhood in France to owning her own restaurant and finding success in America. She shares personal stories without holding back, and it is interesting to read. I'm a fan of food, and at first it seemed to me that there were plenty of stories about Crenn's personal life, and not enough about food and her career as a chef. However, the last 30 percent of the book made me happy as she talked a lot about menu choices and the food she serves in her restaurant. There is a small section that gets a little preachy about food choices.
If you love biographies and food, you will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
Rebel Chef is the story of Dominique Crenn, from her adoption and childhood in France to owning her own restaurant and finding success in America. She shares personal stories without holding back, and it is interesting to read. I'm a fan of food, and at first it seemed to me that there were plenty of stories about Crenn's personal life, and not enough about food and her career as a chef. However, the last 30 percent of the book made me happy as she talked a lot about menu choices and the food she serves in her restaurant. There is a small section that gets a little preachy about food choices.
If you love biographies and food, you will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
August 26, 2020
Overall: An interesting and moving memoir about an incredible female chef who forger her own way in a male-dominated profession. Great story and very inspiring but overall lacking in depth 3/5.
Summary: Dominique Crenn was born in France and adopted in the 1960s. After graduating from university she decides she wants to be a professional chef but is reluctant to do so in France because “the role of the chef as artist was reserved for men” so she moves to the United States. This memoir details her life and follows her throughout her childhood to present. She is the first female chef in the United States to win three Michelin stars and whose Atelier Crenn is named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
The Good: A fascinating character who chartered her own path in a male-dominated world. Loved learning about her path and career with all the different experiences she grabbed along the way. Overall just a great story of a very interesting woman.
The Bad: Overall I found this to be lacking in depth and just wanted more overall. This is true especially for the portions about restaurant development and cooking. The novel covered her entire life but seemed to just scratch the surface.
Favorite Quotes:
“I was 45 when I opened Atelier Crenn. … Sometimes I get the sense that women over 40 aren’t even supposed to be visible. Well with respect, screw that.”
Summary: Dominique Crenn was born in France and adopted in the 1960s. After graduating from university she decides she wants to be a professional chef but is reluctant to do so in France because “the role of the chef as artist was reserved for men” so she moves to the United States. This memoir details her life and follows her throughout her childhood to present. She is the first female chef in the United States to win three Michelin stars and whose Atelier Crenn is named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
The Good: A fascinating character who chartered her own path in a male-dominated world. Loved learning about her path and career with all the different experiences she grabbed along the way. Overall just a great story of a very interesting woman.
The Bad: Overall I found this to be lacking in depth and just wanted more overall. This is true especially for the portions about restaurant development and cooking. The novel covered her entire life but seemed to just scratch the surface.
Favorite Quotes:
“I was 45 when I opened Atelier Crenn. … Sometimes I get the sense that women over 40 aren’t even supposed to be visible. Well with respect, screw that.”
October 4, 2022
I love Dominique Crenn's restaurants and her overall aesthetic.
So, why didn't I love this book?
Crenn is known for acknowledging and laughing off people's initial impression of her as being pretentious. So I figured that when the first chapter made me think, "Man, she sounds pretentious," the feeling would quickly dissipate over the next few pages. Sadly, it never did.
Having experienced her genius by way of a gorgeous dinner at her three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn (which leads me to believe she communicates best in the context of food) I really believe she is more eccentric and sensitive than affected. For some reason, though, the whimsical-meets-down-to-earth vibe I consistently get from this chef did not come across in writing. The whole book felt... contrived?
Maybe it's the co-author's fault (though I feel like a jerk for throwing Brockes under the bus).
Whatever the reason, I was surprised to really not like this one.
So, why didn't I love this book?
Crenn is known for acknowledging and laughing off people's initial impression of her as being pretentious. So I figured that when the first chapter made me think, "Man, she sounds pretentious," the feeling would quickly dissipate over the next few pages. Sadly, it never did.
Having experienced her genius by way of a gorgeous dinner at her three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn (which leads me to believe she communicates best in the context of food) I really believe she is more eccentric and sensitive than affected. For some reason, though, the whimsical-meets-down-to-earth vibe I consistently get from this chef did not come across in writing. The whole book felt... contrived?
Maybe it's the co-author's fault (though I feel like a jerk for throwing Brockes under the bus).
Whatever the reason, I was surprised to really not like this one.
June 24, 2020
Dominique Crenn's life is fascinating and this autobiography is moving and unapologetic. It was an honor to narrate the audiobook version, especially since it meant I got to read twice, once in prep and once aloud. Made me want to fly across the world to San Francisco as soon as I am able to taste all of chef's delicious-sounding, artistic, and ethical creations.
May 25, 2022
4.5 I picked this up knowing nothing about this chef. Well I knew she was involved in a charity even to feed Ukraine people during the war with Russia. She made Unity Bread to share with other chefs who made their dishes to share. The bread looked so good and I loved her vision of unity through food. I wanted to know how this chef had gotten this open heartedness in our harsh times. I just finished her story and Dominique Crenn is a remarkable person.
Her life was never a simple follow the dots style but a leaping, foraging, self education zig zag that thankfully for us all she didn't abandon when it got sticky. She blazed into the world on male school taught chefs as a woman, a woman who learned through living and doing. She learned well, and has Michelin stars to prove it.
There isn't a lot of talk of specific recipes but she did mention a few tasty sounding dishes I will be trying, like Shiso sorbet. I just happen to have a large crop of shiso leaves this summer :D
Her life was never a simple follow the dots style but a leaping, foraging, self education zig zag that thankfully for us all she didn't abandon when it got sticky. She blazed into the world on male school taught chefs as a woman, a woman who learned through living and doing. She learned well, and has Michelin stars to prove it.
There isn't a lot of talk of specific recipes but she did mention a few tasty sounding dishes I will be trying, like Shiso sorbet. I just happen to have a large crop of shiso leaves this summer :D
June 20, 2020
I really wanted to like this, but it felt like she was holding something back. There was just some personal element that was missing. An interesting life story nonetheless.
August 8, 2020
Every human story is connected if you tell it right, and when I cook there is some connection to an inner part of myself that, when things work out, is able to touch people.” - page 189
I fell in love with Dominique when I first saw her on season two of Chef’s Table. The fact that she is from Brittany (where my mom’s side of the family is from) and that her cooking is deeply influenced by the coastal landscape immediately drew me to her. I loved getting to know more about her through this book. It’s an easy read, very straightforward and to the point, full of interesting stories and insights. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good foodie memoir.
I fell in love with Dominique when I first saw her on season two of Chef’s Table. The fact that she is from Brittany (where my mom’s side of the family is from) and that her cooking is deeply influenced by the coastal landscape immediately drew me to her. I loved getting to know more about her through this book. It’s an easy read, very straightforward and to the point, full of interesting stories and insights. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good foodie memoir.
July 5, 2020
An insightful look into the mind and spirit of a great chef. Dominique Crenn, being largely self-taught, is not your typical chef. She is gay, an adoptee, and a woman in what has long been a man's profession. But she has rare talent, an abiding confidence in her own abilities, and an uncommon vision. While she has made mistake--plenty of them--she has always moved forward. The results speak for themselves, as Crenn is one of the rare chefs to have been awarded three Michelin stars.
"Living is moving," she writes. "Nothing is learned by standing still." Hers is a life in constant motion and it reminds me of Bashō, who wrote, "Every day is a journey and the journey itself is home."
"Living is moving," she writes. "Nothing is learned by standing still." Hers is a life in constant motion and it reminds me of Bashō, who wrote, "Every day is a journey and the journey itself is home."
July 3, 2020
3.5 but rounding down because overall I felt kind of neutral about this book. I also listened to the audio book version so that may have impacted my enjoyment.
I was excited to pick up this book because I really like food culture and Dominique Crenn is a badass. This book is pretty short so it's easy to get through and Crenn has had an interesting life. Her experiences in different kitchens, especially her time in Indonesia, were insightful. The book really shines in part 3 where the reader gets to see where Crenn is now. I enjoyed learning about her commitment to food, sustainability, and activism.
In all, if you like books about chefs or short, easy reads, this is probably a book you'd enjoy.
I was excited to pick up this book because I really like food culture and Dominique Crenn is a badass. This book is pretty short so it's easy to get through and Crenn has had an interesting life. Her experiences in different kitchens, especially her time in Indonesia, were insightful. The book really shines in part 3 where the reader gets to see where Crenn is now. I enjoyed learning about her commitment to food, sustainability, and activism.
In all, if you like books about chefs or short, easy reads, this is probably a book you'd enjoy.
June 25, 2020
I enjoy memoirs and if there's food involved, I'm all in -- so it was only natural that I was drawn to reading Rebel Chef: In Search of What Matters. Having seen a profile of Dominique Crenn on Netflix's Chef's Table, I was curious to read her life story. Crenn is a risk taker and someone whose curiosity continuously moves her in new and often challenging directions.
Rebel Chef is a quick read, and Crenn's voice and her straightforward tone come through clearly. She's a "what you see is what you get" kind of person and being fearful is just not in her playbook. And since she isn't a person who has a Plan B in her pocket, she will simply adjust herself if Plan A doesn't materialize.
While a large part of the book focuses on Crenn's culinary career, she and co-author Emma Brockes also chronicle Crenn's early years in France, and it is very evident that Crenn's adoptive parents played a huge role in the person she became. I came away admiring Crenn's strong work ethic as well as her insights on life, and as she writes, "Life is strange and one can only be grateful."
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Press for this ARC (Advance Reader's Copy) in exchange for my honest review. #RebelChef #NetGalley
Rebel Chef is a quick read, and Crenn's voice and her straightforward tone come through clearly. She's a "what you see is what you get" kind of person and being fearful is just not in her playbook. And since she isn't a person who has a Plan B in her pocket, she will simply adjust herself if Plan A doesn't materialize.
While a large part of the book focuses on Crenn's culinary career, she and co-author Emma Brockes also chronicle Crenn's early years in France, and it is very evident that Crenn's adoptive parents played a huge role in the person she became. I came away admiring Crenn's strong work ethic as well as her insights on life, and as she writes, "Life is strange and one can only be grateful."
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Press for this ARC (Advance Reader's Copy) in exchange for my honest review. #RebelChef #NetGalley
May 30, 2020
What a life! It's hard to review memoirs because it sometimes feels as thought you are revising the writer's life and life choices. That's not the case here. Crenn is the first female chef in the US to be awarded three Michelin stars but she's so much more. This charts her growth from France through Asia and back to California, primarily San Francisco. Her love for her parents is palpable. Foodies will like this for insight into an important voice in the restaurant world- she's taken meat off the menu but it's also a story of a strong minded and determined woman. Her focus on her staff and mentoring is especially admirable. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. I'm hopeful for her future and looking forward to one day eating in one of her establishments.
March 12, 2021
i enjoyed listening to rebel chef as an audiobook during my daytime walks. life stories feel more intimate read aloud, but, as because i don't usually listen to audiobooks, i'm not sure whether this one shines in particular.
i've watched the "chef's table" documentary on dominique crenn and i've partaken in a gorgeous croissant loaf from boutique crenn, her newest establishment in san francisco, so i came into this book with some baseline familiarity with some of chef crenn's life and work. despite that, i still learned a few things from the new-to-me parts of this memoir: how an ambitious and unorthodox young (white) woman in the restaurant industry might rise up its ranks; how a chef creates and iterates upon dishes; and how someone might distill the ups and downs of their life into a personal philosophy. i'll write a bit more on the last two bits.
i've gotten more into cooking during the pandemic (as my myriad of 2020 cookbook reviews may show), so listening to the chapter chef crenn devoted to her own food brain made my ears perk up. i most resonated with her embrace of vegetables as dish centerpieces, though the meals i make are not nearly as artistic as those a diner can expect from atelier crenn.
crenn has learned to trust herself to a depth i cannot yet fathom (but sure hope to someday). throughout the book, she explicitly points out moments in which she went against her better judgment and how she has become more discerning because of these mistakes. this quote, excerpted from the last chapter in which she grapples with cancer, most stood out to me:
i've watched the "chef's table" documentary on dominique crenn and i've partaken in a gorgeous croissant loaf from boutique crenn, her newest establishment in san francisco, so i came into this book with some baseline familiarity with some of chef crenn's life and work. despite that, i still learned a few things from the new-to-me parts of this memoir: how an ambitious and unorthodox young (white) woman in the restaurant industry might rise up its ranks; how a chef creates and iterates upon dishes; and how someone might distill the ups and downs of their life into a personal philosophy. i'll write a bit more on the last two bits.
i've gotten more into cooking during the pandemic (as my myriad of 2020 cookbook reviews may show), so listening to the chapter chef crenn devoted to her own food brain made my ears perk up. i most resonated with her embrace of vegetables as dish centerpieces, though the meals i make are not nearly as artistic as those a diner can expect from atelier crenn.
crenn has learned to trust herself to a depth i cannot yet fathom (but sure hope to someday). throughout the book, she explicitly points out moments in which she went against her better judgment and how she has become more discerning because of these mistakes. this quote, excerpted from the last chapter in which she grapples with cancer, most stood out to me:
"Now we all have shaved heads, a sense of the ridiculousness of life, and the giddiness of going through it together. How can I resent this experience when, for all the terror and pain, it has opened a door to a deeper connection with the people around me?"
December 31, 2020
I have followed the career of Dominique Crenn since she arrived in San Francisco in 1990, so when I saw she had written a memoir, I was eager to read it. I'm glad to recommend this well-written, honest narrative. This is the real story behind the news, the publicity, and the gossip. I appreciated her authenticity in sharing her origins in a French orphanage, her childhood as a beloved adopted daughter, and her personal development in pursuing her career as a chef and ultimately a restaurateur.
June 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I’d rate it 3.5. It was an interesting story of a female chef who worked her way to the top without ever attending culinary school - quite an achievement. I listened to the audiobook. When she mentioned she was a competitor on Iron Chef I stopped and went and watched that episode. Later she said she appeared on Chef’s Table so I stopped and watched that episode. It was interesting to see her and listen to her and see the food and restaurant she was describing as I was listening to the book.
July 12, 2022
What I appreciated about this is that I felt like I got to know the author instead of simply hearing of her accomplishments. Yes, I did learn of those because it's her story, but it was more than just a timeline.
August 1, 2022
4.5⭐️ I loved reading her story. I already admired her as a Chef and knew some of her story, but this was a greater look into her life. I hope I can eat in one of her restaurants some day.
April 4, 2021
Loved the parts where Crenn described her childhood and the way she thinks about how she constructs a dish and the concept for Atelier Crenn. I’m not sure why this is a memoir as it seems like Crenn wanted to rush through the middle 25 years of her life in this book. Lots of potentially interesting parts of her life gets hand-waved aside and if those were included, I’d feel more excited about finishing this book. It’s also criminal they didn’t put in any pictures of the dishes she’s conceptualised.
November 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Dominique Crenn is well known for her cooking and her restaurant Atelier Crenn. As a matter of fact, she’s the only female chef in the US to earn three Michelin stars. Her life has been interesting both personally and professionally but I wish she’d focused on one or the other in this book because I didn’t feel like I got enough of either. At one point, I did feel like I was getting a lecture on food and I could have done without that. I listened to this book and felt Hope Newhouse’s narration was rather flat and may have enjoyed this one more in print.
Dominique Crenn is well known for her cooking and her restaurant Atelier Crenn. As a matter of fact, she’s the only female chef in the US to earn three Michelin stars. Her life has been interesting both personally and professionally but I wish she’d focused on one or the other in this book because I didn’t feel like I got enough of either. At one point, I did feel like I was getting a lecture on food and I could have done without that. I listened to this book and felt Hope Newhouse’s narration was rather flat and may have enjoyed this one more in print.
July 31, 2020
This is an enjoyable memoir from a world re-known & awarded chef who is truly making a lasting mark in the culinary world, as well as spreading positive & inspiring signals for innovation, sustainability & equality for all facets of life.
Her background is not traditional, nor is her approach to cooking & developing her own special brand of ideas, and I found many recounts of her background to be interesting & inspiring as someone who truly paved her own path to greatness.
As an adopted child in France, Dominique had a vision of becoming a chef via a fascination with America. Seeing her options as limited & restricted while in France, she set out for California with no formal culinary schooling and little-to-no-experience in a kitchen. Once in California, it's obvious that she really felt the freedom of expression to spread her wings, develop her sense of self & future of opportunities, and work her way up quickly through the ranks to becoming a recognized chef in the San Francisco restaurant scene.
The things I enjoyed the most about this book are her ideas of acceptance & willingness to grow & evolve even amidst criticism, obstacles, mistakes, or even potentially catastrophic regrets. She takes the reader through a journey on many levels: as an aspiring young woman not able to fit in with her peers at an early age, into someone picked for the spotlight on shows like Iron Chef and Chef's Table. As an open-minded immigrant who comes to America with pure intentions & a willingness to succeed, as well as her emotional & personal journeys into homosexuality & making a name for herself while maintaining her integrity. As a chef that not only cares about the food on the plate, the bottom line of cost/markups, & competing only with herself, but also someone who promote ethical practices & sources, as well as minimizing waste & focusing on the best quality of what can be produced, rather than what's quick & easy.
I found Dominique's viewpoints to be enriching & inspiring, not just on her views on food & the restaurant industry, but also about life in general and what's truly important. While she does touch on her moments of tragedy, the focus is always on what those moments did to push her forward in her goals & aspirations. It's an easy-to-read memoir (much easier for me than, say, Kitchen Confidential was- she actually explains what many of the proper dishes are rather than just dropping fancy names without reference), and definitely makes me want to seek out a reservation at one of her tables, should I be provided with such an opportunity one day.
Her background is not traditional, nor is her approach to cooking & developing her own special brand of ideas, and I found many recounts of her background to be interesting & inspiring as someone who truly paved her own path to greatness.
As an adopted child in France, Dominique had a vision of becoming a chef via a fascination with America. Seeing her options as limited & restricted while in France, she set out for California with no formal culinary schooling and little-to-no-experience in a kitchen. Once in California, it's obvious that she really felt the freedom of expression to spread her wings, develop her sense of self & future of opportunities, and work her way up quickly through the ranks to becoming a recognized chef in the San Francisco restaurant scene.
The things I enjoyed the most about this book are her ideas of acceptance & willingness to grow & evolve even amidst criticism, obstacles, mistakes, or even potentially catastrophic regrets. She takes the reader through a journey on many levels: as an aspiring young woman not able to fit in with her peers at an early age, into someone picked for the spotlight on shows like Iron Chef and Chef's Table. As an open-minded immigrant who comes to America with pure intentions & a willingness to succeed, as well as her emotional & personal journeys into homosexuality & making a name for herself while maintaining her integrity. As a chef that not only cares about the food on the plate, the bottom line of cost/markups, & competing only with herself, but also someone who promote ethical practices & sources, as well as minimizing waste & focusing on the best quality of what can be produced, rather than what's quick & easy.
I found Dominique's viewpoints to be enriching & inspiring, not just on her views on food & the restaurant industry, but also about life in general and what's truly important. While she does touch on her moments of tragedy, the focus is always on what those moments did to push her forward in her goals & aspirations. It's an easy-to-read memoir (much easier for me than, say, Kitchen Confidential was- she actually explains what many of the proper dishes are rather than just dropping fancy names without reference), and definitely makes me want to seek out a reservation at one of her tables, should I be provided with such an opportunity one day.
June 17, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from PENGUIN GROUP The Penguin Press - Penguin Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I first heard of Dominique Crenn when she competed for the Next Iron Chef on Food Network and her multiple guest appearances on Bravo's Top Chef but never really new how she came to be a chef and how she climbed her way to the successful career she has...until now. I appreciate so much Dominque's perseverance and diligence to have the courage to move to San Francisco rather than staying in Paris where the Kitchen is mostly male dominated and sought out the acclaimed chef Jeremiah Tower that trained her just by experience alone without going to culinary school and having the professional training that most chefs at her caliber have. It just goes to show that if you are passionate and love what you do and are willing to put in the work, anything is possible. I also loved how the culinary arts gives you freedom to embrace your background and helps find your signature and voice rather than learning a certain style of cuisine which is why I am a fan of the culinary shows and restaurants that are created from them.
We will consider adding this title to our TX Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I first heard of Dominique Crenn when she competed for the Next Iron Chef on Food Network and her multiple guest appearances on Bravo's Top Chef but never really new how she came to be a chef and how she climbed her way to the successful career she has...until now. I appreciate so much Dominque's perseverance and diligence to have the courage to move to San Francisco rather than staying in Paris where the Kitchen is mostly male dominated and sought out the acclaimed chef Jeremiah Tower that trained her just by experience alone without going to culinary school and having the professional training that most chefs at her caliber have. It just goes to show that if you are passionate and love what you do and are willing to put in the work, anything is possible. I also loved how the culinary arts gives you freedom to embrace your background and helps find your signature and voice rather than learning a certain style of cuisine which is why I am a fan of the culinary shows and restaurants that are created from them.
We will consider adding this title to our TX Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
December 23, 2020
Dominique Crenn and her beloved brother were adopted by two really good people. They enjoyed an idyllic childhood in France. Her grandmother and her farm were extremely positive influences on her development. Although the deck was stacked against women chefs (and Crenn had the added disadvantage of not having attended culinary school), she was determined to become a top chef with her own kitchen. In her twenties, she moved to San Francisco and began her trajectory toward that goal.
Although I admired her fortitude and tenacity, this memoir didn't grab me on an emotional level. While she intended the book to be inspirational, it felt like more like an accounting. Also, she mentions repeatedly that she was lucky, which isn't that helpful; how does one emulate that path? I think the main value of this book was to demonstrate her commitment to the artistry of her designs (because that's what you have to call it; "cooking" doesn't begin to describe what she did with food.) Also, she documents how incredibly hard a person has to work in this industry (at one point, Crenn was working 100-hour weeks), and success is never certain. To be honest, if my goal were to be a top chef, I think this memoir would dissuade me.
Although I admired her fortitude and tenacity, this memoir didn't grab me on an emotional level. While she intended the book to be inspirational, it felt like more like an accounting. Also, she mentions repeatedly that she was lucky, which isn't that helpful; how does one emulate that path? I think the main value of this book was to demonstrate her commitment to the artistry of her designs (because that's what you have to call it; "cooking" doesn't begin to describe what she did with food.) Also, she documents how incredibly hard a person has to work in this industry (at one point, Crenn was working 100-hour weeks), and success is never certain. To be honest, if my goal were to be a top chef, I think this memoir would dissuade me.
June 22, 2021
A favorite story my mother enjoys retelling of my childhood is when she was approached by my kindergarten teacher who relayed, with concern, that I enjoyed spending my time “cooking” with the kitchen playset. According to Mom, she responded with, “So? The greatest chefs of the world are men.” This is the world that Dominique Crenn and I were born into. One in which a woman could cook, so long as it was in care of a household. For a man to cook, it was as a professional.
I am not a chef, but I do enjoy to cook. Some might even call me a foodie. As such, even before I moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area, I was already aware of Dominique Crenn. In Rebel Chef Crenn recounts her coming of age in a culinary world where only men can be chefs. In her story, she shares aspects of her journey, of growing up in France as an adopted toddler. Of her bold decision to uproot herself as a young adult from everything she had known and relocate to San Francisco, her sexuality, breast cancer and her nontraditional path to becoming an acclaimed chef and restaurateur.
In short, Dominique Crenn writes, with enduring optimism, about more than just the challenges of life in a professional kitchen, she writes about the challenges of self discovery and her search for a meaning life.
I am not a chef, but I do enjoy to cook. Some might even call me a foodie. As such, even before I moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area, I was already aware of Dominique Crenn. In Rebel Chef Crenn recounts her coming of age in a culinary world where only men can be chefs. In her story, she shares aspects of her journey, of growing up in France as an adopted toddler. Of her bold decision to uproot herself as a young adult from everything she had known and relocate to San Francisco, her sexuality, breast cancer and her nontraditional path to becoming an acclaimed chef and restaurateur.
In short, Dominique Crenn writes, with enduring optimism, about more than just the challenges of life in a professional kitchen, she writes about the challenges of self discovery and her search for a meaning life.
October 10, 2020
There was nothing wrong with Crenn's memoir about her upbringing in France and how she found success in America but I wanted more details on the process of opening a new restaurant and how it operates. And even though her food isn't at all in my wheelhouse, I still wanted to hear more about the food she created and along with how she developed a menu.
I was hoping to recommend this to readers of Marcus Samuelsson's Yes, Chef and Anthony Bourdain's foodie titles but it felt a little flat. Those who liked Phyllis Grant's short memoir, Everything Is Under Control: A Memoir with Recipes might enjoy it.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy although my review is based on the published print book so I could see the photos.
I was hoping to recommend this to readers of Marcus Samuelsson's Yes, Chef and Anthony Bourdain's foodie titles but it felt a little flat. Those who liked Phyllis Grant's short memoir, Everything Is Under Control: A Memoir with Recipes might enjoy it.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy although my review is based on the published print book so I could see the photos.
September 17, 2021
Unfortunately, I have not been able to make it to her restaurant yet, but I am still fascinated by this chef who is the only woman to hold 3 Michelin stars in the US. The story of her success is well worth reading here. She is very open about her challenges and mistakes, and offers good advice. Walking in to Stars restaurant and asking Jeremiah Tower for a job while having almost no experience in a kitchen will not work for everyone, but Ms. Crenn has balls of steel. And everything seems to work for her, as within 48 hours she was cooking on the line for Stars... this is unusual to say the least. I am worried that some might take the wrong recommendation from her though, as it seemed that no matter what she did she always came out ahead. What does not come across so clearly are the years of intense, arduous hard work that she put in at every stage before emerging victorious with her current restaurant. "Follow your whim" and "do what makes you happy" are great maxims to live by, if you are also willing to work very hard and suffer a lot along the way. Great reading if you are interested in cheffing and restaurants.
June 27, 2020
3.8 this book’s naming is inaccurate in my opinion. A rebel chef to me seems like someone who has a chip on their shoulder and will take on the world. Dominique feels much more like a Zen chef. Who through her zen like approach was able challenge industry norms. It is a lovely and peaceful story about a woman learning about herself. Her love and view of food makes me excited for this pandemic to be over and to try out her restaurants.I am no way a connoisseur or foodie but I do feel like Her approach would not feel overly pretentious to me or inhibiting, as I would be one of the least sophisticated pallets in her restaurant.
As a person she seems kind and thoughtful. Overall an interesting person. I do wonder if the narrator made it hard to see her as a “rebel“ as her voice also felt very zen like.
As a person she seems kind and thoughtful. Overall an interesting person. I do wonder if the narrator made it hard to see her as a “rebel“ as her voice also felt very zen like.
November 22, 2021
A look-back of her life and career. how she felt a misfit in France and traveled to the US at a very young age. Overall, a very bold person. Knew what she doesn't want at an early age, and was not scared by her somewhat difference from others, but rather got out of the environment that she doesn't think fit her, and to explore and chase the things she truly loves.
Walking in the famous chef's restaurants and ask to work for him. Then later, did the same thing to the younger generations.
During the early years, also traveled to Asian country to work and help open the restaurant associated with a hotel.
Did not finish the entire book, but feel that was good enough that i wanted to get from Chef Dominique. Was listening to it on audiobook.
Walking in the famous chef's restaurants and ask to work for him. Then later, did the same thing to the younger generations.
During the early years, also traveled to Asian country to work and help open the restaurant associated with a hotel.
Did not finish the entire book, but feel that was good enough that i wanted to get from Chef Dominique. Was listening to it on audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2023
I happened to finish this audiobook on the same day as How To Build A Car, and the contrast between the two memoirs—of individuals who are at the top of their fields—was pretty dramatic.
I may just be predisposed to being more interested in an engineering-related career? But this memoir felt overly weighted toward philosophy and the impact that her relationships/people had on her career (a wonderful sentiment!), rather than the achievement of excellence as a chef. Maybe the talent was more innate, or it's impossible to capture the art of being a chef and running a restaurant in something as pedestrian as a book? Unclear.
I may just be predisposed to being more interested in an engineering-related career? But this memoir felt overly weighted toward philosophy and the impact that her relationships/people had on her career (a wonderful sentiment!), rather than the achievement of excellence as a chef. Maybe the talent was more innate, or it's impossible to capture the art of being a chef and running a restaurant in something as pedestrian as a book? Unclear.
November 9, 2020
Dominique Cren's memoir resonated with me. I love any stories about family- biological, adopted, or other- and Dominique's is a bit of both, but seems especially focused on her adoptive father. She writes of her upbringing in France, her decision to move to California to start her restaurant career, and several other moves along the way. She also talks about her romantic relationships, though not as much as her family relationships and her work. I appreciate her attitude, her honesty, and her respect for a local/sustainable food system, among other things.
Now I just need to check out the photos in the physical edition since I read the audiobook!
Now I just need to check out the photos in the physical edition since I read the audiobook!
January 5, 2021
I love reading biographies as it's fascinating to learn the stories of others. It was really amazing to me how much Chef Crenn had to overcome on her journey to be one of the most talented culinarians. I enjoyed learning more about her childhood, youth and journey as it brings her food more to life. I have been lucky enough to have eaten at Atelier Crenn just before she was awarded her 3rd Michelin star and to this date, that dinner has been one of my favorites. What an incredible experience. I highly recommend her book and experiencing her culinary offerings as well. You won't be disappointed.
September 2, 2021
I have become a collector of chef written books in the past couple of years. This is just average. But maybe I say that because she had no demons to overcome like all the other books I have read thus far. She doesn’t have a drug or alcohol problem. She does not battle with depression. From the outside, it appears her biggest issue is sticking to a relationship. Doesn’t make for fascinating reading. I admire her ethics regarding food sourcing and would definitely eat at her restaurants due to that and her minimalist approach to serving meat. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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