Episode 37 Food & Travel Legends: Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin

Eric Ripert, the co-owner and visionary 3 Michelin star chef of New York City’s Le Bernardin, is one of the greatest chefs in the world. He joined Le Bernardin in 1991, and – for over three decades- has kept the greatness of this timeless establishment alive with co-owner Maguy La Coze. Le Bernardin has held a spot on the World’s 50 Best List by San Pellegrino for years, and was ranked the No. 1 restaurant in the world in 2019 by La Liste. Ripert himself has also received countless individual awards, including “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation.

In today’s Passport to Everywhere episode, Ripert shares his personal journey with us. He takes us through growing up in the South of France to working in Paris for the legendary Le Tour d’Argent to how he finally landed in NYC. Ripert reveals travel stories that influenced his creativity in the kitchen including trips with his team to South America and his annual pilgrimage to Japan. Plus- Ripert shares his mindful approach to daily living, his chance encounter with Buddhism in a French airport and the powerful experience of cooking for the Dalai Lama. And don’t miss Ripert’s advice from his new cookbook coming out later this year, Seafood Simple, as well as his idea of a perfect day in New York.

And this week on travel hacks, Melissa speaks with Indagare Productions Director Kathryn Nathanson about the top tables in New York City.

Lightning Round with Eric:

• Who is your go-to person for food advice? When I travel, I always ask chefs and friends who love food for advice. But, in my daily routine, I trust my instincts.
• What is your go-to NYC restaurant? Balthazar. I go to Balthazar once a week.
• Three favorite dinner spots in NYC? Balthazar, Saga and Yakitori Totto
• Best NYC spot to buy ingredients? I don’t want to upset anyone, but I have to say Citarella is pretty good.
• Best NYC spot to buy ingredients? Now that Jean-Georges opened the Tin Building, I think we are set with the grocery store, because he has everything over there.
• Dream dinner guest? The 14th Dailai Lama
• Where do you want to travel to next? I would love to go to Thailand and try all the markets and small restaurants that are in Bangkok, and then travel the country and see what’s happening in Thailand.
• What restaurant are you dying to go to next? To go back to Frantzén in Stockholm. It’s an amazing restaurant.

Tune in live: June 1, 2023 at 12 p.m. ET

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