Traveling for food is a new passion point with global travelers on the move. In a hats off gesture to the kings and queens of cuisine around the world, who inspire us to eat with adventure no matter where we are, TravelSquire brings you CHEF TALK, sponsored by Le Cordon Bleu.
Katrina Markoff Founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat and Wild Ophelia
Katrina Markoff is a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef and a pioneer of the exotic chocolate movement. As founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat and Wild Ophelia, Markoff travels the world in search of best-in-class ingredients at the pinnacle of their taste profile, fusing spices, nuts, roots, herbs and liqueurs with premium chocolate. She seeks to harness the power of storytelling through the medium of chocolate with her creations and open palates to new ideas. She is the recipient of numerous accolades including Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40, and the Bon Appétit Food Artisan of the Year Award. Food & Wine Magazine has named her “THE innovator in chocolate to lead the US through the next 30 years.” Katrina’s Instagram: @katrina_markoff
Q: What is your favorite dish that you learned to make at Le Cordon Bleu?
A: Cassoulet de Fruits de Mer, I now make it for my husband and sons quite often. They love it. Q: Did you have a memorable culinary experience in the city where you studied that you can share?
A: In Paris at L’Ambroise in Place des Vosges. The experience throughout dinner and especially at the end when they brought to the table a Chocolate Beignet that had been made a la minute is the reason I named my company Vosges Haut-Chocolat. It was the first moment I could only think about the salty crispy outside and the chocolate explosion on my palate that brought me into the now. I still dream of that moment … that chocolate experience. Q: Where in Chicago can someone find a dish or dining experience similar to what was taught at Le Cordon Bleu.
A: Les Nomades in Chicago www.lesnomades.net
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Q: What country or city would you choose right now for a great culinary experience?
A: Piemonte!! I am absolutely in love with the Langhe area, a Unesco World Heritage site … think Barolo, Barbaresco, white truffles and hazelnuts.
We source all of our own hazelnuts from Relanghe there. I’m so in love with my Piemonte adventures that we partnered this year with boutique travel specialist, Experience Piemonte, to create a once in a lifetime bespoke trip to the area to discover its history and gastronomy. There will be culinary experiences at Ceretto Winery, Piazza Duomo, Da Francesco and La Ciau Tornavento. One can follow my footsteps and discover some of the world’s most delectable treasures.
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Q: What is your favorite international food?
A: I love Indian food and experimenting with all the exotic spices.
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
951 West Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
Web: www.vosgeschocolate.com
Phone: 773-296-9866
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