Dominique Crenn: Woman, Chef, and Activist who is Changing the World
Dominique Crenn, at the age of 18 months, has been adopted by her parents and grown up in France, and later she moved to the United States. Years later, Crenn, as a chef, was awarded 3 Michelin Stars in 2018 for her main restaurant and became the first female chef in the United States to receive this honor. She, as well, was called the best female chef according to The World's 50 Best but soon - diagnosed with breast cancer. Having defeated it, Crenn admits that not the titles and stars are her main achievement, but her activist's role in restaurant culture, sexism, immigration, and climate change topics and also - her beautiful children Olivia and Charlotte, and her company of life - Maria Bello.
Dominique, you grew up in France in a family who adopted you. What are the values they gave you which you port with you through life?
I am happy that I was brought up in a family that taught me that giving and sharing with others is a good thing. They taught me to be welcoming and said that the world should be about diversity, which is the source of creativity, ideas, and love. My parents didn't care about my skin color, my nose form, or anything else. It was just about love, giving it, and teaching it. My parents always allowed me to make my own decisions, making me aware of the consequences I might have. Nothing is free in life, and if you do all that you want, there is always a price to pay or consequences to face.
Are the flexibility and open-mindedness, which your parents also showed you, necessary for any person?
We need to be opened to other people and cultures. Being more open, we could have a better idea of what the world is. We are all equal, so it's still shocking to me to face intolerance. The world is changing. Hopefully, the new generation is already different but the responsibility for the change lays on us, our generation should set an example for the youngsters.
Where does the people's intolerance for any difference they find in others come from?
I believe that it's about ignorance and fear. When someone is nasty and bullying another person, it always comes with the fear of not actually knowing who he is. And with the fear that someone might take away their privilege from them. I do not like and do not accept the desire of people to put themselves above someone else.
Is the comparison between women and male chefs correct?
You know, I absolutely hate that. When I got the prize as the best female chef, I told the organization that it's not right and they better change this, but I accepted the prize to use my position to bring the voice of the woman and man figure of the chef, that there is no difference. It changes nothing. Cook is a cook.
Don't you think that it's unfair, in general, to divide the professions into "for men" and "for women" categories?
Equality is necessary, but we need men to speak up. Men need to join us. We need to fight for the same rights together. I am so tired of seeing how women are treated. Be inclusive, give women a chance, do not judge people by their sex. Women are powerful and strong, and even more than men, honestly. And it's hard work to be a woman!
If you could, what kind of advice would you give to the women?
The main suggestion to young women - get to know who they are. Find yourself and your own strength. Be who you want to be - I constantly repeat to my daughters too. Simone de Beauvoir said: we want to be free until everyone is free, meaning that for me, we won't be who we want to be complete until we let other people be themselves. It's called the freedom of being a human.
Your life path was not so that easy. How do you cope with difficulties?
Bad things never let me down. On the contrary - they give me strength that pushes me and allows me to be better and to fight. When you experience nastiness from others, don't be nasty from your side. Never pay attention to negativity and those people. People may not like me, but I don't care about it. I just try to be a good person, focused on what matters and on positiveness. Negativity is out of my interests.
Can you call yourself a strong woman?
Oh yes, definitely! I've been through many things, and since an early age, I needed to be strong. My dad always used to tell me: "Do you want to be strong? Be it", even though that common thought says that the woman should not be that.
How not give up even if everything seems to end up for you?
Things can be hard in your life and may take you down, but you need to stand up and reflect, refocusing on what really matters. Find the power and do the things you need. Never give up on things you believe in.
Are you afraid of something?
Of anything. I think that fear is the prison. I was close to death in 2019 during my cancer treatments, and I thought I'd have gone. I woke up in the morning, looking at my reflection in the mirror, and I saw myself being a different person. I saw death, and then I decided to fight.
What is the most beautiful thing about life?
I am finding love all around. Any type of love is a joy, and I want everyone to experience it. Just spread love and don't take anything for granted. Cancer allowed me to understand that. I guess humans are made to be loved and create love around, but we've forgotten about it. Gastronomy should think and speak more about love.
What is the thing you're most grateful for in your life?
I was lucky enough to have been adopted and entered the family, which gave me the values I have. I am grateful for my parents, who surrounded me with love and allowed me to be who I am today. I am also lucky to have my daughters and the love of my life who was by my side both in sorrow and joy.
