A Minute With Executive Chef Steve Benjamin of Jean-Georges Beverly Hills
Paris-born Benjamin was 14 years old when he volunteered as an apprentice at a local restaurant. He continued and studied French cuisine where he earned two culinary degrees. Later on he worked at Le Celadon and after military service he worked at several well-known French restaurants. Steve Benjamin became the Sous Chef at the Astor Hotel in Paris where he was trained by Joël Robuchon who soon noticed the talented chef. In 2003 Robuchon recruited Chef Benjamin to open L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Paris and in 2005 he was given the opportunity to open up the L?Atelier in Las Vegas as the Executive Chef. Chef Benjamin joined the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills as Executive Chef of Jean-Georges Beverly Hills in June 2017.
Was there a moment early on or an experience that sparked you to pursue a culinary career"

It is in my blood.  Where I?m from, my family and I love to be around and entertain people, the conviviality of it all, and to make something special for them that they will enjoy. Now, I do it every day, constantly challenging myself to do better.

How you would describe your philosophy or approach to cuisine"

My philosophy is simple. The best food requires the best produce and the best ingredients.

Where do you draw your inspiration from"

I come up with my best ideas when I?m asleep.  My dreams are a powerful source of inspiration for m...