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5 women with remarkable careers
To mark International Women's Day, we've profiled five iconic women from the world of gastronomy. Whether they've appeared on Top Chef, taken over the family business, or pursued a unique career path, these women share a unique strength of character. With conviction and perseverance, they've established themselves to success in a resolutely male-dominated world.
Anne-Sophie Pic
Anne-Sophie Pic is one of the few French women to hold 3 Michelin stars.
Coming from a family of chefs for two generations before her, Anne-Sophie could have naturally gravitated toward culinary studies to take over the family establishment, which has held three Michelin stars since 1973. But she didn't see herself in that world and began studying business. Overtaken by passion, she finally took over the reins of the family restaurant in 1997. She quickly distinguished herself with her unique creations and bold flavor combinations. She courageously asserted herself in a very masculine world, and was awarded three Michelin stars in 2007.
Self-taught, Anne-Sophie did not attend any cooking school: “I learned the technique gradually through practice.”
Anne-Sophie Pic surrounded by 8 colleagues who make the House so vibrant.
Helen Roche
Originally from Normandy, Hélène began her studies at agricultural high school and dreamed of a future in horse riding. While looking for work, she found herself in a completely different environment. Near her home, the Hôtel Barrière was hiring for a kitchen position, where Hélène began washing dishes. In kitchens, she felt alive; the atmosphere and movement reflected her and appealed to her.
Having always made sure to be on an equal footing with men, she is nevertheless convinced that diversity is important, "women bring something else, an eye for detail, a different form of management." Challenges are what drive her, and with work and perseverance, new ones present themselves to her. After numerous positions in large establishments, she was appointed director of the Hotel and Restaurant Villa Koegui. An atypical and remarkable career!
Stephanie Le Quellec
Stéphanie Le Quellec first became known following her victory on Top Chef in 2011.
She began her career in the kitchens of the George V in Paris, alongside Philippe Legendre, and later took over two restaurants at the Four Seasons in the Var region. She then returned to Paris, to the prestigious Prince de Galles hotel, where she was appointed chef. In 2014, she earned her first Michelin star, followed by a second in 2019 before opening her own restaurant. In 2020, just 4 months after opening, "La Scène" directly earned 2 Michelin stars, a feat. In 2021, MAM was born, a delicatessen/caterer full of good things.
Stéphanie combines elegance and simplicity in simple but extremely masterful recipes. Her goal is fully embraced: "to desacralize haute cuisine."
Naoëlle of Hainaut
Naoëlle d'Hainaut, originally from Val d'Oise, rose to prominence after winning the 2013 edition of Top Chef. She worked as a sous-chef at Le Bristol under three-Michelin-starred chef Eric Frechon, then as a chef at the gourmet restaurant vente-privée.com, where she forged her culinary identity. In 2017, she opened her restaurant, l'Or Q'idée, alongside her sommelier husband. A year and a half later, Naoëlle earned her first Michelin star, a worthy and promising career path.
"Delicate, pleasant, affordable cuisine, not necessarily made with noble products, but with a lot of creativity, flavors and aromas," this is how the Chef describes the cuisine of her restaurant.
Helene Darroze
Hélène Darroze, originally from the Landes region, comes from a family of restaurateurs. After studying business, she was hired at Alain Ducasse's Le Louis XV. She started as a commis, then administrative manager. Alain Ducasse encouraged her to turn to cooking. In 1999, she opened her Landes restaurant in Paris and earned her first Michelin star in 2001, then a second in 2003. Later, she took over a restaurant in London and earned, again, a first star in 2009 and a second in 2011. Her success continued with the opening of two other restaurants in Paris: JÒIA, a friendly place that pays homage to her native land, and Marsan, "an undeniable success" according to the Michelin Guide, awarded two stars.
