Chef's Story

On this special episode of Chef’s Story, host Dorothy Cann Hamilton speaks with Dominique Ansel, executive pastry chef of the Dominique Ansel Bakery, and the maker of the world famous Cronut. Speaking about his history working as an apprentice at the age of 16, he explains how he left school and left no room for failure. After finishing his compulsory military service, he moved to Paris to work in the kitchen of Pâtisserie Peltier. Just a year later, Ansel made the move to the legendary bakery Fauchon. He spent seven years there working for Master Pastry Chef Christophe Adam, learning the delicate balance in flavors, textures, and aesthetics necessary to produce the bakery’s unique pastries. He later became responsible for Fauchon’s international expansion, helping set up shops in far-flung locations such as Russia, Egypt, and Kuwait. Next, Dominique rose to fame in New York City, where he served as the Executive Pastry Chef at Daniel under celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. During his six year tenure at Daniel,