Frances Tariga é um chef superstar e pioneiro abertamente queer, que abalou o estrelato depois de aparecer no Bravo’s Top Chef . Mas seu caminho nem sempre era claro e sua jornada das Filipinas para Nova York foi uma luta para se encontrar como chef e pessoa queer. Criada em Manila, Frances começou a cozinhar com seu pai muito jovem, mas se descreve como uma jovem problemática. Depois, ela fez um curso de culinária e se apaixonou profundamente pela comida.
“Foi dito que nunca conseguiria”, diz ela. “Então, isso se tornou minha motivação. Peguei o que eles disseram construtivamente. Houve momentos em que cheguei ao ponto de querer desistir porque era muito difícil ser mulher em cozinhas dominadas por homens. Mas provei que eles estão errados!”
Courtesy, Buddakan
Seu primeiro show em um restaurante de Nova York foi como chef sous em Buddakan . Mas ela ainda lutava contra a autoconfiança e hesitava quando uma amiga a incentivou a experimentar para o_Top Chef_ ; sua decisão de fazê-lo (13atemporada, para os interessados) mudou tudo. Ela saiu de Buddakan para Catch NYCe agora está trabalhando em um projeto culinário secreto. Conversamos com Frances sobre ser uma chef queer, seus lugares locais favoritos para comer e seu conselho aos visitantes que vêm à cidade.
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.