Celebrity Women Chefs- Beauty and the feast
These famous women chefs can win their way out of any battle. Of course, we ought to know their secret weapon.
Chef: Julia Child
Secret Weapon: Cultural Camouflage
This famous American Chef started her career as a copy writer and then worked covertly for a spy agency during the World War II. But it was her cuisine that changed the hearts and minds of the American people. She is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public with her debut cook book- Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Her most notable television program was The French Chef, which premiered in 1963.
Chef: Clare Smyth
Secret Weapon: Steely Resolve
She might not be a household name, but her mentor certainly is: Gordan Ramsay. At a young age she was a part owner and managed Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London. This Northern Irish chef became the first British woman to be awarded 3 Michelin Stars. She has won several awards and has appeared on television shows such as MasterChef & Saturday Kitchen. In 2017 Smyth opened her first restaurant, Core, in London earning her 2 Michelin Stars.
Chef: Lidia Bastainich
Secret Weapon: Family Tradition
Born in Pula, Croatia, Lidia came from a family plagued by social strife under Josip Tito. She fled to USA and built her career in traditional cooking. She has created an empire with her cookbooks, television shows and food products. She believes that family tradition is extremely important when it comes to flavour. She owns several Italian restaurants and her television series Lidia’s Kitchen is extremely popular.
Chef: Paula Deen
Secret Weapon: Lots & Lots of Butter
She is one of the most criticized chefs in the world due to her controversial comments about the African Americans. The press skewered her reputation but she built an empire and made a big impact on the cooking world. She was a cooking show host and published 15 cookbooks. Her cooking style is Southern US which utilizes butter and a lots of unhealthy ingredients. However the taste is superb and out of the world.
Chef: Alice Waters
Secret Weapon: Simplicity
An advocate for local & organic food. Her restaurant Chez Panisse which she founded in 1971, is famous for organic, locally grown ingredients and for pioneering California Cuisine. Walters effort to promote fresh sustainable food grown by local farms has extended into her work as a food activist and humanitarian. Her influence in the fields of organic food and nutrition is typified by Michelle Obama’s White House organic vegetable garden.
Chef: April Bloomfield
Secret Weapon: Versatility
Born in Birmingham, this young chef worked in several restaurants including working at Chez Panisse to familiarise herself with American ingredients. She moved to New York and opened the Gastropub The Spotted Pig- The concept of a pub that serves high end yet inexpensive food appealing to many. This restaurant went on to win 1 Michelin Star in 2005. With her influence the Gastropub movement really took off.
Chef: Rachael Ray
Secret Weapon: Speed
She is one of the most recognisable female chefs in the US, especially with those who want to make quick & easy meals. While she does often splurge on her show- 30 Minute Meals, she does cook meals than can have a cheaper & easier substitutes. Ray has written several cookbooks based on the 30 Minutes Meals Concept launched a magazine Every Day with Racheal Ray. In 2006 she launched the Yum-O! non profit organization. Its mission to empower kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.
Chef: Elena Arzak
Secret Weapon: New Basque
She was named the best female chef in the world. Her 3 Michelin Star Restaurant- Arzak, features New Basque Cuisine. Basque cuisine include grilled meats, savory stews and sea food. Arzak upped the ante by modernizing Basque cuisine and bringing it into the 21st century.
Chef: Cat Cora
Secret Weapon: Determination
This Mississippian is of Greek descent, so its no surprise that her food has a Mediterranean slant and famous for her fusion cooking. Due to her strong determination and culinary skill, she made history for being the first female chef to be featured on the Food Network Television show The Iron Chef. Later she was the co host of Around the world in 80 plates.
Chef: Alex Guarnaschelli
Secret Weapon: Big Fight
She earned the honour of becoming the Iron Chef, only the second female chef to have achieved this feat. This feisty chef appears as a television personality on the Food Network Shows- Chopped, All Star Family Cook Off and the Best thing I ever ate.