March 01, 2016

Women's History Month: 5 Pioneering Female Chefs

March 01, 2016/ Christie

In celebration for Women's History Month, we will be spotlighting key female figures of the hospitality industry. These female chefs have not only changed how people see food, but also the way women are viewed in the industry that is dominated by men.

#1: Julia Child

A name that should never be left out of the discussion is none other than the legendary Julia Child. The world-famous chef attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she developed her love and talent for French cuisine. She went on to write over a handful of cookbooks and star in TV cooking shows, including the highly successful, The French Chef. Child, one of the first females chefs to be appear on television, paved the way for other women to create and produce their own cooking programs. In 1993, Child was inducted in the Culinary Institute of America's Hall of Fame, being the first woman to receive the honor.

#2: Lidia Bastianich

Another female chef that needs to be acknowledged for her culinary prowess is Lidia Bastianich. Young Lidia and her family immigrated to the United States, and opened up their own Italian restaurant in 1971 called Buonovia. It was a huge hit, so soon after they opened a second called Villa Secondo. Ten years later in 1981, Bastianich opened her own restaurant called Felidia, which earned a three star review from the New York Times. Bastianich was the first woman chef to gain such recognition. Like Child, Bastianich has been active in TV cooking shows throughout her career. She continues to run multiple NYC dining establishments with her son, Joe, and Mario Batali, under Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group.

#3: Alice Waters

Alice Waters is famously known for pioneering and founding California cuisine. Waters started her culinary journey with a trip to France in 1964. There she fell in love with cooking with fresh, local and organic ingredients. She then returned back to the States and opened Chez Panisse in 1971. In 1992, Waters received two awards, the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef (a first for a female) and the Best Restaurant Award for Chez Panisse.

#4: Cat Cora

Coming from a family of restauranteurs, Cat Cora had a lot to live up to. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree, she enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America to refine her culinary skills. In 2005, she made history for becoming the first female and only, Iron Chef champion. In addition to TV appearances, Cora has opened several high-profile restaurants, such as Ocean by Cat Cora in Singapore and Cora's Kitchen at airport terminals in Houston, Salt Lake City and San Francisco. Cora continues to be involved with Chefs of Humanity, which raises money for causes like nutrition education, hunger relief and humanitarian aid to reduce hunger worldwide.

#5: Cristeta Comerford

Filipino-born Cristeta Comerford achieved the American Dream, much like Bastianich and her family. At 23, she moved to United States for better opportunities. Her first job was at the Sheraton Hotel near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. She also held positions at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and as a chef in two Washington, D.C. restaurants. In 1995, Comerford was recruited by Walter Scheib, the White House executive chef, to work under Bill Clinton's presidency. He left in 2005, and she went on to assume his role, becoming the first female executive chef of the White House, and the first of Asian descent.

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December 31, 2015

The Hottest Restaurants to Work At in LA

December 31, 2015/ Christie

Eater decided that Los Angeles was America's best dining city in 2015. Food editor Bill Addison said, "Los Angeles just has it right now. The city is the current epicenter of freethinking and diversity in American cooking."

Broken Spanish, Moruno, Hanjip, Estrella and SMYC were just some of the few great dining establishments that the city had to offer. As the eating scene is booming in LA, so must the job market. Continue reading to see which of these restaurants are hiring:

BROKEN SPANISH

Chef Ray Garcia's Broken Spanish, located in Downtown LA, was a home run with nearly all the food writers. The restaurant menu boasts sophisticated Mexican dishes and drinks. The space is beautifully set with sleek glass and rustic details.

Broken Spanish is not hiring right now, but do keep an eye out for job openings in the future.

MORUNO

Fast casual meals, like meat kebabs and sandwiches, are staple foods at Moruno. The take-out window is shuttered for now, but Moruno is looking to open up an even bigger space (with a larger menu and drinks) in the new year at Grand Central Market.

Moruno is currently hiring Line Cooks, Bartenders, Servers and more.

HANJIP

Contemporary BBQ spot Hanjip opened not too long ago in Culver City, but it quickly became a huge favorite amongst foodies. It brings a new style of Korean barbecue to the neighborhood. Eddie Lin of Deep End Dining said, "Oh and Bombet [Hanjip's founders] bring French flair to a hearty Korean standby."

Hanjip is seeking to fill various positions, including Sous Chef, Cook, Server and more.

ESTRELLA

Estrella, which combines both indoor and outdoor elements, is like an oasis on the bustling Sunset Strip. Led by former Top Chef contestant Dakota Weiss as the executive chef, the restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.

The team at Estrella is looking for experienced Restaurant Managers and Bakers to join them.

SANTA MONICA YACHT CLUB (SMYC)

SMYC's concept is just spot on. Not only does it have globally inspired seafood and cocktails on their menu, the restaurant's interior is designed to look like a modern yacht.

There are several openings at SMYC for a Line Cook, Sous Chef and more at the moment.

(via Eater LA)

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December 30, 2015

The Hottest Restaurants to Work At in NYC

December 30, 2015/ Christie

At the end of every year, the contributing food writers at Eater come together and compile a list of their new favorite restaurants. The New York office selected Santina, Sadelle's, The Polo Bar, O Ya, amongst other top restaurants in the city.

Find out what the major food writers and influencers were raving about this year. Also, find out the job opportunities that are open at the hot establishments:

SANTINA

Major Food Group's Santina was a huge hit for more than just a few writers at Eater. It was noted that Santina had delicious, yet affordable coastal Italian fare. The restaurant is located in a beautiful space in NYC's Meatpacking District as well; the interior is super bright and vibrant. To match, the food was served on fun, colorful plateware. Lockhart Steele wrote, "The one new place I loved, kept going back to, and will return to often in the new year, God willing? Santina."

If you are interested in working at Santina as a FOH Server, apply here.

SADELLE'S

You may have heard of Sadelle's already because they were previously mentioned in our Celebrating National Pastry Day post. Again, they had food critics were all over Sadelle's; not only for their bagels, but brunch, dinner and everything in between. Hillary Dixler, a senior at Eater, couldn't resist either. She said, "I didn't think I'd have room in my heart for this one, but turns out I do.

Sadelle's is still looking for Servers to join the team in the new year.

THE POLO BAR

Ralph Lauren went beyond the realms of fashion this year with the opening of his first restaurant, The Polo Bar. The menu is largely inspired by the designer himself; it consists of many of his favorite American dishes, such as steaks and burgers. Eater's Helen Rosner very much enjoyed The Polo Bar's pastrami sandwich.

Check out The Polo's Bar job opportunities for Pastry Cooks, Baristas and Bussers.

O YA

Chef couple Tim and Nancy Cushman brought O Ya over from Boston this past summer. The upscale and inventive sushi omakase menus were an instant hit with New Yorkers. Besides great seafood offerings, O Ya offers a wide selection of refreshing sakes and drinks.

O Ya is currently hiring Servers, Hosts/Hostesses and Line Cooks.

(via Eater NY)