Dominique Crenn set up her Atelier Crenn restaurant in San Francisco as a tribute to her father and her golden memories of childhood. She creates -- and recreates -- the Michelin-starred magic five nights a week for diners from around the world.
Chuck Thompson/CNN
Trout marmitako —
Crenn's take on the classic Basque stew. Created exclusively for Culinary Journeys, her marmitako features (top to bottom): dehydrated garlic chip, dried parsley, kombu, trout, pickled onion, mustard seeds and tomato compote in a dashi stock made with sea cucumber.
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Delcious details —
In the Atelier Crenn kitchen, Crenn fusses over every detail, as in this photo, plating uni.
Jeff Scott 2014 Copyright Notes From A Kitchen
The most interesting carrot in the world —
You might not have guessed just by looking, but that's a piece of carrot jerky sailing onto your plate.
Jeff Scott 2014 Copyright Notes From A Kitchen
Memories of Brittany —
Paintings by Allain Crenn, Dominique Crenn's father, are displayed throughout Atelier Crenn. Most invoke warm sentiments from holidays on the seashore in the Brittany region in northwest France.
Chuck Thompson/CNN
Perfect pour —
Pigeon in its own jus.
Jeff Scott 2014 Copyright Notes From A Kitchen
Mushroom man —
A typical day in the Atelier Crenn kitchen sees a stream of visits from suppliers of fresh local food and wine amid staff bustle. This afternoon it's a delivery from trusted mushroom/truffle man Antoine Magnani.
Chuck Thompson/CNN
Pick and place —
Crenn (and her staff) is rarely seen without her kitchen tweezers, which she uses constantly for close-in work.
Jeff Scott 2014 Copyright Notes From A Kitchen
Plated poetry —
Crenn's creativity is on full display on this plate of pigeon, raspberry veil and summer offerings.
Jeff Scott 2014 Copyright Notes From A Kitchen
All about the produce —
"It's not the talent of the chef that determines how good a dish tastes," says Crenn. "It's the talent of the farmers. Chefs are not the rock stars. Farmers are the rock stars."
Chuck Thompson/CNN
Symbolic tat —
That's a pig flying on Crenn's arm. "It's a reminder that anything can happen. We might not be here tomorrow. You have to enjoy life."