Frances Tariga es un chef superestrella y abiertamente pionero queer que se disparó al estrellato después de aparecer en el Top Chef de Bravo. Pero su camino no siempre fue claro y su viaje desde Filipinas hasta NYC fue una lucha para encontrarse como chef y una persona queer. Crecida en Manila, Frances comenzó a cocinar con su padre a una edad muy temprana, pero se describe a sí misma como una joven problemática. Luego tomó un curso culinario y se enamoró profundamente y apasionadamente de la comida.
“Me dijeron que nunca lo conseguiría”, dice. “Así que eso se convirtió en mi motivación. Tomé lo que dijeron de forma constructiva. Hubo ocasiones en las que llegué al punto en que quería rendirme porque era muy difícil ser una mujer en cocinas dominadas por hombres. ¡Pero los demostré equivocados!”
Courtesy, Buddakan
Su primer concierto en un restaurante de Nueva York fue como sous chef en Buddakan . Pero aún tenía problemas de autoconfianza y dudaba cuando una amiga la animó a probar para_Top Chef_ ; su decisión de hacerlo (temporada 13, para los interesados) lo cambió todo. Dejó Buddakan para Catch NYCy ahora está trabajando en un proyecto culinario secreto. Nos pusimos al día con Frances para hablar sobre ser chef queer, sus lugares favoritos para comer y sus consejos para los visitantes que vienen a la ciudad.
What was your first job cooking in New York City?
What was your first job cooking in New York City?:
Frances Tariga:
I started my career as a prep cook in Dubai at the Burj al Arab Jumeirah. It was difficult. Dubai is a Muslim country, and there were only few women working in the kitchen. After that I became the private chef for the Royal Princess of Dubai and worked in that position for six years. I came to America in 2011 as the private chef of the Royal Ambassador for the United Arab Emirates.
How is New York different from other places you’ve cooked?
How is New York different from other places you’ve cooked?:
FT:
I’ve traveled the whole world, cooked for different nationalities, races and religions, and I speak seven languages. And what sets this city apart from all of those other places is the freedom to be me! I am treated equally. I get paid equally. That’s what I love about NYC.
What are some local places that inspire you as a chef?
What are some local places that inspire you as a chef?:
FT:
The street fairs during summer. The diversity of the food and people will make you realize how lucky you are just to live in New York.
Crown Shy. Photo: Chris Payne
When you’re not cooking, where are some places you like to eat in the City?
When you’re not cooking, where are some places you like to eat in the City?:
FT:
I like to go to Jackson Heights in Queens to eat authentic Filipino food. The place I like is called
. But most of the time my chef friends and I try different new, cool places like
. It’s really good and reasonably priced.
What impact has the LGBTQ+ community had on the culinary world in NYC?
What impact has the LGBTQ+ community had on the culinary world in NYC?:
FT:
The community helped transform a tough culinary world into a more equal one. I made sure that whatever men can do, women can do too. And, actually, the people who worked in the kitchens here in NYC are well-educated about LGBTQ+ issues. They even know gender pronouns!
Do you have any tips for people coming to eat in NYC for the first time?
Do you have any tips for people coming to eat in NYC for the first time?:
FT:
Don’t go to touristy places! I like going to neighborhood restaurants in the Village. There are tons of secret gems there. I love this small joint called Takashi, near Henrietta Hudson. They sell this late-night ramen. They don’t advertise it, and it’s the best ramen I’ve ever tasted by far.