Dominique Crenn, the renowned chef with three Michelin stars and the title of best chef in the world in 2016, has returned to her home country of France after more than 30 years in the United States. Crenn, known for her whimsical and warm approach to cooking, has opened a “cuisine without borders” restaurant in Paris called Golden Poppy.
Crenn, 58, exudes confidence and charm as she poses for photos, gives interviews, and interacts with diners. She describes her cuisine as one of love, sharing, and breaking down barriers. Crenn’s partner, American actress Maria Bello, fell in love with Paris, prompting the couple to establish an apartment in the city.
The decision for Crenn to return to France is considered rare among French chefs who have found success abroad. Jörg Zipprick, co-founder of the aggregator La List, which ranks the top 1,000 restaurants in the world, praises Crenn for her intelligence and ability to introduce Hollywood-style branding to her career.
Crenn’s culinary inspiration comes from her adoptive mother and grandmother, who prepared small Breton dishes that shaped her cooking style. She avoids cooking meat in the United States due to the lack of quality compared to the wild hare, beef tongue, and lamb of her childhood. Like other highly acclaimed female chefs such as Anne-Sophie Pic and Hélène Darroze, Crenn is self-taught in the kitchen despite having a business school background.
In 2016, Crenn was named the best female chef in the world by 50 Best, although she expresses disdain for cooking and gendered awards. However, her media notoriety has allowed her to send powerful messages and challenge traditional norms in the culinary industry.
Before moving to the United States at the age of 21, Crenn had the opportunity to experience the world of starred restaurants through her father, a politician. She developed a fascination with the symphony of movement in the kitchen and discovered new tastes during her family’s travels. Today, Crenn enjoys dining with others and exploring hidden gems that offer unique and innovative cuisine.
Crenn’s restaurant in San Francisco attracted the attention of French chef Guy Savoy, who dined there on the recommendation of guests. Savoy describes the experience as memorable and praises Crenn’s pure and unique culinary style. He believes her new restaurant in France will bring a fresh perspective to the gastronomic landscape, with dishes like abalones served with Mexican-style sauces.
Dominique Crenn’s return to France marks a significant moment in her career and the culinary world. With her “cuisine without borders” concept, she continues to push boundaries and offer a different approach to traditional French cuisine.
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World’s top restaurants, believes Crenn’s return is a significant moment for both French and international culinary scenes. He describes Crenn as a pioneer who has revolutionized the way people perceive and experience food.
Crenn’s new restaurant, Golden Poppy, is a reflection of her progressive and inclusive approach to cooking. The name itself is inspired by the California state flower, the California golden poppy, representing the fusion of Crenn’s American roots and her return to her French heritage. The menu at Golden Poppy is diverse and inspired by Crenn’s extensive travels, with dishes that draw inspiration from various cultures around the world.
Crenn is known for her dedication to sustainability and passion for using locally sourced ingredients. She believes that food has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together, and she aims to showcase this through her cuisine at Golden Poppy. The restaurant’s menu changes regularly, reflecting the seasonality of ingredients and Crenn’s commitment to creating innovative and memorable dining experiences.
Despite her impressive accolades and global recognition, Crenn remains down-to-earth and approachable. She actively engages with her diners, taking the time to explain the stories behind each dish and making them feel part of the culinary experience. Crenn’s warm and welcoming personality adds an extra layer of charm to the already exceptional dining experience at Golden Poppy.
Crenn’s decision to return to France not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights her desire to contribute to the culinary landscape of her home country. With her innovative and boundary-breaking approach to cooking, Crenn is set to leave a lasting impact on the French gastronomy scene and continue to inspire chefs worldwide.
This is an exciting development for the culinary world! Chef Dominique Crenn’s “Cuisine Without Borders” restaurant in France promises a remarkable return to her culinary roots, showcasing her exceptional talent and passion. I cannot wait to see the unique dishes that will surely transcend boundaries and astonish diners.