Chef Dominique Crenn Interview

Chef Dominique Crenn

Dominique Crenn is the executive chef of Luce Restaurant and Wine Bar at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco's South of Market District. One of Esquire Magazine's "Chefs to Watch" in 2007, Dominique Crenn is definitely a shining star on the rise. Raised in France, Dominique grew up with a family who appreciated fine food and dining. She moved to the United States in 1988 and started her formal training as a chef working at the legendary Stars restaurant under Jeremiah Stars and Mark Franz. She has also cooked at the Campton Place in San Francisco, Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan Beach, and Abode Restaurant in Santa Monica. Chef Dominique Crenn has also personally catered private events for Vice President Al Gore, Sharon Stone, and Sydney Poitier. And as if all this weren't impressive enough, Dominique also made history as Indonesia's first female executive chef at La Bruschetta Restaurant in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1997-98.

Hawaiian Butterfish w/hearts of palm, red himalayan rice croquette, fennel salad, & a carrot sea urchin emulsion

At Luce Restaurant, Dominique has finally found her culinary home. Her innovative, yet deep rooted cooking style matches the modern yet traditional decor of the restaurant. No surprise that Dominique's distinct cooking techniques have been recognized as " the real sparkle" and Luce Restaurant, as the "Best Restaurant to open this year" in San Francisco by Bloomberg.

Monkfish & housemade Prosciutto w/white asparagus & vadovan bouillabaisse

I chose to interview chef Dominique Crenn, because not only is she a talented chef on the rise, but she is also an inspirational person outside of the kitchen as well. With a well balanced lifestyle involving time spent with friends, family, and her applehead chihuahua Julius, a regular work out routine which keeps her healthy and fit, and an amazing sense of style and graciousness that comes out not only in her cooking, but when you are around her, Dominique is definitely a woman who has made her own dreams come true. San Francisco is a city known for their acclaimed female chefs, and the city by the bay definitely has a new one to add to their roster.

Here is Food Fashionista's exclusive interview with chef Dominique Crenn:

Where were you born?

Versailles, France

Where do you live or spend most of your time now?

San Francisco

When you are not in the kitchen, where would one find Dominique Crenn?

Farmer’s Market, Napa or Sonoma

What is your favorite vacation hot spot?

Cadiz, Spain

What are your favorite restaurants?

Maison De Bricourt, Chef Olivier Roellinger
L’Arpege, Chef Alain Passard
Mugaritz, Chef Andoni Aduriz
Manresa, Chef David Kinch
Coi, Chef Daniel Paterson

What is your favorite dish to prepare?

Lamb loin and lamb cheek tagine with seasonal vegetables

What is your least favorite dish to prepare?

Tuna tartare

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

Fresh squeezed juice

What are three things that everyone should have in their kitchen?

Scale
Coffee Grinder
Spice rack

Do you eat junk/fast food? If so, what is your favorite?

Not really but” In and Out’ is the bomb

If you weren’t a chef, what would be your dream job?

Photographer

Who is your favorite singer or singing group?

Dinah Washington

Do you follow fashion? If so, who is your favorite designer?

Yes, Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana

When you are not in your Chef’s clothing, what is the typical Dominique Crenn outfit?

Jeans, tee shirt and Adidas

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

New York

Who is/are your hero/heroes?

My Parents

What is something that would surprise people to know about you?

I used to be a ballerina

For more information on chef Dominique Crenn, visit

Luce Restaurant and Wine Bar

For reservations at Luce Restaurant and Wine Bar visit

OpenTable

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