Gala Chef Q & A: JBF Award Winner Traci Des Jardins

JBF Award Winner Traci Des Jardins, Jardinière, San Francisco

What’s your go-to guilty-pleasure food?

Tortilla chips and salsa.

Describe the last great meal you ate.

I had a great bite the other night: griddled rice cake with uni in soy butter and watercress. It was divine—texture, flavors, everything.

What’s the dish you’re most proud of?

I don’t have favorites—that would be like saying you have a favorite child.

What’s your favorite movie snack?

Popcorn with real butter.

What’s your earliest food memory?

Eating oatmeal in my high chair.

What do you eat for breakfast?

Cottage cheese with coarse salt, pepper, and olive oil.

What’s your favorite healthy food?

Lacinato kale.

What was your first job in the culinary world?

Working for Joachim Splichal in L.A.

What movie are you ashamed to admit you love?

Pretty Woman.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Never say anything bad about anyone.