Masterpieces created by delicate hands

Society has long been conditioned to believe that the role of a chef is a man’s privilege, with haute cuisine deemed “not a woman’s field.” On the other hand, there’s the outdated notion that a woman’s place is in the kitchen, so “what’s so unusual about that?”

Unlike the basic act of home cooking, the profession of a chef has evolved into a creative pursuit, into an art form. Unfortunately, for many years, women were excluded from elite culinary schools that trained professionals in high-end gastronomy.

Despite these challenges, women have never stopped evolving and breaking stereotypes. Their delicate hands have achieved remarkable success in the culinary world. Today, their contributions not only enrich the gastronomic arts but also inspire a new generation of chefs. Moreover, women in the restaurant industry bring unique perspectives, creativity, and innovation, playing a transformative role in shaping the culinary landscape. Let’s get to know some of the women chefs!

Anne-Sophie Pic

Raised in the home that was her grandad’s restaurant at the same time, Anne-Sophie Pic didn’t initially plan to pursue a culinary career. Instead, she studied economics and lived in France, Japan, and the U.S. At 23, she returned home to Valence, where she made the life-changing decision to carry on the traditions of her grandfather and father.

Her grandfather’s restaurant, “Maison Pic,” was a prestigious three-Michelin-star establishment. And in 2007, Anne-Sophie earned three Michelin stars of her own. Drawing inspiration from her travels, she explores new flavors and ingredients, transforming unfamiliar elements into exquisite culinary masterpieces. With her delicate touch, she creates magic, crafting pairings that enhance and elevate the essence of each ingredient. 

Angela Hartnett

From a young age, Angela Hartnett was passionate about cooking. Despite studying history, she followed her heart and pursued a culinary career – a love she inherited from her Italian grandmother. Rising through the ranks under the mentorship of Gordon Ramsay, she became the head chef at Petrus, earning a Michelin star. Later, while managing the “York & Albany” gastropub, she made a bold move to establish her own restaurant, Murano.

Angela’s signature dishes, such as vegetarian cauliflower curry with chickpeas and duck breast with red cabbage and mustard pears, embody the warmth of home-cooked meals, infused with the flavors of her Italian heritage.

Sara Moulton

Sara Moulton is a renowned American chef, TV host, and cookbook author, known for bringing home cooking into the spotlight. With a background in prestigious restaurants such as Gourmet and Cooking Live, she has established herself as an authority in the culinary world. Today, Sara is dedicated to educating and inspiring home cooks through television shows and masterclasses, encouraging people to rediscover the joy of preparing meals at home.

Her mission is to help people embrace home cooking and make delicious, restaurant-quality meals a part of their daily lives.