Chef Dominique Crenn From San Francisco Has Been Named One of Time’s Most Influential People of 2024
Dominique Crenn earned her first Michelin star in 2009, the same year she made her debut on the culinary competition show The Next Iron Chef. Two years later, she became the first female chef in the U.S. to receive two Michelin stars. Less than a decade later, she achieved a third star.
Crenn has been recognized as Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants (2016), Best Chef: West by the James Beard Foundation (2018), and received the World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ Icon Award (2021). She has appeared on television shows such as Chef’s Table and Top Chef France and mentored Ralph Fiennes in his role as a fine dining chef in the 2022 horror-comedy The Menu. In 2023, she opened her first restaurant concept outside of San Francisco, Golden Poppy, in her native France.
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The opening of her restaurant Atelier Crenn was a pivotal moment in her career. Thanks to its unique concept, Atelier Crenn quickly gained international fame and became one of the most influential restaurants in the world.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/atelier.crenn/
Dominique Crenn is actively involved in issues of sustainability, social justice, and environmental protection. Her initiatives, including supporting local farmers, using seasonal ingredients, and eliminating meat from her restaurant menus, have set an example for many in the industry.
In 2019, Crenn removed meat from the menus of all her restaurants to reduce environmental impact. This decision was part of her broader strategy to promote ecological sustainability in gastronomy.
She actively supports local farmers and suppliers, which helps reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. This also strengthens the local economy and ensures the freshness of ingredients.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/atelier.crenn/
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Crenn transformed Petit Crenn into a community kitchen to feed vulnerable and food-insecure populations in San Francisco.
She is also working on reforming San Francisco's food system, collaborating with local leaders to create a more equitable and sustainable food network.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/atelier.crenn/
Being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people is a recognition not only of her culinary achievements but also of her contributions to societal development. Crenn demonstrates that cuisine is not just about preparing food but something that can change the world.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/atelier.crenn/
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Dominique Crenn is an icon who inspires new generations of chefs and reshapes our understanding of food. Her story is one of talent, perseverance, and the desire to make the world a better place. She proves that cuisine can be not only delicious but also meaningful.
