Dominique Crenn: 3 Michelin-Star Chef Who Is Making The Restaurant Industry More Human

Dominique Crenn is a human-being, first and always. And, even though she has created a life that is speckled with achievements - from becoming the first (and only) woman to earn three Michelin Stars for her first restaurant, Atelier Crenn, to being named the Best Chef in the World by the James Beard Foundation - she has continued to stay guided by her curiosity instead.

From a young age, Dominique bent the rules for good; growing up as an adopted child in France, she was given the freedom to tap into her creativity. And, that creativity drove her seemingly risky decisions: move across the world to San Francisco, convince a world-renowned chef to work with you (without any formal culinary training might we add), and open an 18-course restaurant with poetry instead of menus. 

But, through it all Dominique hasn’t let the rules or awards or growth sway her away from her personal mission: help people reconnect to their roots, become more conscious of their choices, and treat our planet (and each other) with kindness. This chat is for anyone who feels like they have a burning passion within them to change the world - and is ready to bend the rules a little bit to do so.

Some stuff we also cover:

How Dominique’s childhood in Brittany, France impacted her view of the world - and connection to local food, nature + farmers

Dominique’s definition of creativity, and how she uses her memories to inspire creativity in others

Exactly where Dominique looks for creative inspiration (and hint: it’s not at the farmer’s market)

How Dominique hires people for her team - and it has nothing to do with what’s listed on their resume

The thought process behind incorporating poetry into each of the 18 courses at her 3 Michelin Star restaurant, Atelier Crenn

Dominique’s vision for a sustainable future that requires every single human to make conscious choices

Resources you might want to check out:

Dominique’s Instagram: @dominiquecrenn


Dominique’s Book: Rebel Chef: In Search of What Matters


Atelier Crenn’s Website: Atelier Crenn

As always, this podcast is sponsored by:

Daydreamers. At Daydreamers, we’re redefining how we all spend our free time and making space for adults to build creative hobbies. Check out what we’re about at daydreamerspace.com.