When you think of top-tier chefs, names like Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, or Bobby Flay often come to mind. Do you notice the pattern? White, heterosexual males dominate the conversation. The culinary world, like many other industries, has historically sidelined diverse voices. However, times are changing, and this piece shines a light on three trailblazing queer women chefs: Dominique Crenn, Kristen Kish, and Missy Robbins.
These chefs stand out not just for their incredible culinary skills but also for their commitment to inclusivity, creating spaces where marginalized communities feel seen, celebrated, and represented. From the ambiance of their restaurants to the mouthwatering dishes they create, they challenge traditional notions of fine dining, making it clear that food is more than sustenance. In an industry devoid of queer women among the world’s top 20 chefs, the groundbreaking work of these talented women becomes not only vital but a necessary challenge to the status quo.
Photo: Kenneth ThomasJames Beard award-winning chef Missy Robbins, the co-owner of Lilia and Misi in Brooklyn, New York, has taken the Italian food scene by storm. Known for her pasta-making prowess, Robbins dishes burst with flavor. Her approach to Italian cuisine blends tradition with modernity, showcasing her mastery over ingredients while still paying homage to the cuisine’s roots. Robbins’ focus is on the integrity of ingredients, allowing the natural flavours to shine.
Beyond her culinary excellence, Robbins is a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As an openly queer chef in an industry where representation is often lacking, Robbins has been vocal about her journey and the importance of visibility. For Robbins, the kitchen is a place where people from all walks of life come together, and that diversity is what makes the culinary experience all the richer.
Photo: Kristen Teig
Born in South Korea and raised in the Midwest, Kristen Kish burst onto the culinary scene when she won Season 10 of Top Chef. Kish’s culinary journey is deeply personal. After years of feeling disconnected from her roots, Kish’s cooking has become a way for her to explore her identity both as an adopted Korean woman and a queer chef. Her dishes often reflect this duality, blending Eastern flavors with Western techniques, and she is unafraid to experiment, pushing the boundaries of traditional fine dining. In 2023, Kish made another significant career move, stepping in as the host of Top Chef after Padma Lakshmi’s departure, further solidifying her place in the industry.
Kish’s restaurant, Arlo Grey in Austin, Texas, has quickly become a must-visit spot, known for its inviting atmosphere and thoughtful dishes. Her success is not just about the food, but about the experience she creates, a space where queer folks, people of colour, and others who don’t always see themselves reflected can feel at home.
Photo: Kelsey McClellan
Dominique Crenn is, without question, one of the most influential chefs of our time. The first woman in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars, Crenn has shattered every obstacle in her path. Her San Francisco-based restaurant, Atelier Crenn, is an embodiment of her philosophy that food is art. Crenn’s dishes are as visually stunning as they are delicious, and each plate tells a story.
Crenn is also a fierce advocate for change in the restaurant industry. Openly queer, she has used her platform to speak out about the importance of diversity and representation, both in and out of the kitchen. She is known for challenging the status quo and is not afraid to address issues of inequality head-on, making her a powerful voice for marginalized communities within the culinary world.
Ultimately, while chefs like Robbins, Kish, and Crenn are making waves, there is still much work to be done. The culinary world remains predominantly white, male, and heteronormative. But these queer women are proving that excellence in the kitchen knows no gender, no sexual orientation, and no limits.
