Crenn was introduced to fine dining at a young age by her adoptive parents. Her mother was an accomplished cook who introduced her to international cuisines, while her father would bring the young Crenn to dine with him at Michelin star restaurants. While cooking was her passion, she was initially reluctant to pursue a career in the kitchen due to the male-dominated industry in France at the time. Instead, she studied economics and later a master’s in international business, before following her heart and moving to the US to pursue her dream of becoming a chef.
Crenn made history when she became the first female chef in the US to head up a three-star restaurant when Michelin awarded its highest honor to Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, where she cooks French-influenced, poetic cuisine. She also has Petit Crenn, and a wine bar, Bar Crenn, in the city.
Crenn is one of the most awarded chefs in the world, recognized in 2021 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants with the Icon Award, for her activism giving voice to the under represented. She was included in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world list in 2024. The James Beard Foundation awarded her the title of Best Chef: West in 2018.
Crenn's fame has gone stratospheric in recent years, thanks to her trailblazing activism and her culinary creativity, but also due to appearances on shows like Chef's Table and Iron Chef.
Restaurants
Crenn's restaurants are all about culinary artistry, each offering a unique and immersive dining experience. Atelier Crenn, her flagship restaurant in San Francisco, is renowned for its 'poetic cuisine', where every dish is inspired by a Crenn poem. The restaurant’s ambience is intimate and elegant, reflecting a blend of artistry and haute cuisine that has seen the restaurant win and retain three Michelin stars.
Adjacent to Atelier Crenn is Bar Crenn, a wine bar channeling the spirit of French salons. It offers a curated selection of fine wines paired with small plates, echoing the classic Parisian wine bar experience. The decor is vintage and cozy, while the focus is on sustainability and biodynamic wines.
Petit Crenn, another San Francisco restaurant, pays homage to the chef's Breton roots. This casual, bistro-style eatery offers a seafood-centric menu inspired by the flavors of Brittany. The setting is warm and inviting, with communal tables and an open kitchen that fosters a sense of community.
Each restaurant under Crenn's guidance celebrates her commitment to culinary excellence and sustainability. When you eat at one of Crenn's restaurants you become aware that she is, above all, a heavyweight artist.
Recipes and dishes
Crenn’s dishes transcend traditional culinary boundaries, creating a symphony of flavors and visual poetry on the plate.
One of her signature dishes is the Kir Breton, a tribute to her Breton roots, which features an apple cider gelée, topped with a dollop of crème de cassis-infused apple sorbet, capturing the essence of a classic French aperitif with modern finesse.
Another famous dish is her Walk in the Forest, which showcases a variety of mushrooms presented in a way that evokes the natural beauty and mystery of a forest floor. This dish often includes elements such as truffle purée, wild herbs, and a rich mushroom broth.
Crenn’s Sea Urchin and Licorice shows her ability to balance bold flavors. The briny sweetness of fresh sea urchin is paired with the unexpected note of licorice, complemented by yuzu and dashi, with complex, layered, and harmonious flavors.
Carrot Jerky showcases the chef’s expert treatment of vegetables. Thin slices of carrot are marinated and dehydrated, to become a chewy, umami-packed jerky that challenges expectations.
