# Chef Interview: Daisy Ryan of Bell’s - Made In Chef Daisy Ryan of Bell’s in Los Alamos talks steakhouse dreams, favorite chefs, and why Carbon Steel is her go-to for crispy-skinned fish and perfect steaks. Chef Daisy Ryan is the co-owner of Bell’s, a French-inspired, Michelin-starred bistro in Los Alamos, California, known for its refined yet approachable take on California cuisine. A James Beard Award winner and longtime champion of local ingredients, she brings a thoughtful, creative approach o every dish. We caught up with Chef Daisy to talk about her dream steakhouse, favorite tools in the kitchen, and why she still loves making quesadillas. ```json { "_key": "298ac191cfc9", "_type": "tableOfContents" } ``` ## What’s a dish that tastes like home? ```json { "_key": "15b3ef63dbd7", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A smiling woman in a white shirt and denim overalls carries a basket filled with fresh vegetables while organizing food on shelves in a kitchen.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.6363636363636365, "height": 1100, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/1815c1c4fb5bd11ae1248b2c22ceb692ad993655-1800x1100.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` My mom’s Carbonara. ## If you could open a novel restaurant concept that was guaranteed to be a success, what would it be? I would love to open a small American steak house that is Italian leaning. That serves shrimp cocktails and martinis. ## When did you know you wanted to cook for the rest of your life? ```json { "_key": "c2771a0bf526", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A chef slices vegetables on a wooden cutting board in a well-equipped kitchen.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.6363636363636365, "height": 1100, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/186c07f1bb972afa998a6488f99f377a0297a9b2-1800x1100.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` I don’t know that I do. But I know that I feel lucky everyday to do something that is challenging, creative and makes people happy. ## What’s the best meal you’ve had recently? N/Soto in Los Angeles. ## What chefs inspire you? ```json { "_key": "29c88da5379a", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A female chef stands confidently with her arms crossed in a restaurant kitchen, surrounded by stacks of plates and kitchen equipment.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.6363636363636365, "height": 1100, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/357b537b8f1e5adc0e175d5f94c5ce3bff5fec6f-1800x1100.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` Suzanne Goin, Judy Rogers, and Matthew Kammerer. ## If you could add one thing to your menu that doesn’t make sense but you love making, what would it be? Quesadillas. ## Which piece of Made In cookware do you reach for the most? ```json { "_key": "ac9f5c3b527f", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant-31395314466895", "badges": [], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "discount": 0, "isAvailable": false, "isPrimary": true, "offset": 0, "price": 89, "status": "soldOut" }, "handle": { "current": "3-4-quart" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [ { "_key": "1375f9beaf23", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A person with a bracelet is stirring sauce in a small saucepan while holding a spoon, with a garnished plate of food nearby.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1, "height": 1500, "width": 1500 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/3b112738d717f9023a37dd58f89a2139ea63bbac-1500x1500.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "gallery", "secondary" ], "type": "image", "video": null } ], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": false, "hasTrial": false, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": false, "isDiscountEligible": true, "isFinalSale": false, "isOnSale": true, "isSet": false, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null }, "product": { "ranking": 19, "rating": { "rating": 4.94, "rating_count": 1338 }, "shopify": { "handle": "butter-warmer", "id": 4394367844431, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Stainless_ButterWarmer_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1762197976", "width": 1500 }, "title": "Stainless Clad Butter Warmer" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 31395314466895, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_Stainless_ButterWarmer_1x1_Hero.jpg?v=1762197976", "width": 1500 }, "title": "3/4 QT" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "3-4-quart" }, "title": "¾ QT", "type": "size" }, { "handle": { "current": "induction-compatible" }, "title": "Induction Compatible", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "oven-safe" }, "title": "Oven Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "dishwasher-safe" }, "title": "Dishwasher Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "pfas-free" }, "title": "Free of PFAS", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "stay-cool-handle" }, "title": "Stay Cool Handles", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "third-party-tested" }, "title": "Third-Party Tested", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "italy" }, "title": "Italy", "type": "country_of_origin" }, { "handle": { "current": "stainless-clad" }, "title": "Stainless Clad", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "cookware" }, "title": "Cookware", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "saucepan" }, "title": "Saucepans", "type": "product_type" } ], "title": "¾ QT" } } ``` The [Butter Warmer](/products/butter-warmer/3-4-quart). ## What do you expect out of your cookware? I expect cookware to feel sturdy in my hand and to hold up over time. ## How important is having good kitchen tools? Extremely, having the right tools helps you to make the food you want. ## What’s one way you use Made In cookware to finish a favorite dish on the menu? ```json { "_key": "05d3f02faf7e", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant.42774291513423", "badges": [], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 347, "discount": 20, "isAvailable": true, "isPrimary": false, "offset": 68, "price": 279, "status": "forSale" }, "handle": { "current": "3-piece" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [ { "_key": "bd43496b907fbee3f418e3e9d7152a4b", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A beautifully roasted chicken is surrounded by colorful vegetables in a large skillet on a stovetop.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1, "height": 1440, "width": 1440 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/0e32246dcb078caf69b9497cdb096bc082ac23b2-1440x1440.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "gallery", "preview", "secondary" ], "type": "image", "video": null } ], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": false, "hasTrial": true, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": false, "isDiscountEligible": false, "isFinalSale": false, "isOnSale": true, "isSet": true, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null }, "product": { "ranking": null, "rating": { "rating": 4.8, "rating_count": 10683 }, "shopify": { "handle": "carbon-steel-frying-pan-set", "id": 7739840364623, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_1x1_Carbon_Steel_Carbon_3p_Fry_Set_Stay_Cool_Handle-Set.jpg?v=1758552969", "width": 1500 }, "title": "Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan Set" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 42774291513423, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_1x1_Carbon_Steel_Carbon_3p_Fry_Set_Stay_Cool_Handle-Set.jpg?v=1758552969", "width": 1500 }, "title": "3-Piece Set" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "induction-compatible" }, "title": "Induction Compatible", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "oven-safe" }, "title": "Oven Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "pfas-free" }, "title": "Free of PFAS", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "stay-cool-handle" }, "title": "Stay Cool Handles", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "grill-safe" }, "title": "Grill Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "third-party-tested" }, "title": "Third-Party Tested", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "sweden" }, "title": "Sweden", "type": "country_of_origin" }, { "handle": { "current": "carbon-steel" }, "title": "Carbon Steel", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "cookware" }, "title": "Cookware", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "sets" }, "title": "Sets", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "frying-pans" }, "title": "Frying Pans", "type": "product_type" } ], "title": null } } ``` We use the [Carbon Steel Pans](/products/carbon-steel-frying-pan/) to cook fish and steaks. The heat that the pans conduct help create proper crust and crispy skin. --- URL: https://madeincookware.com/blogs/chef-interview-daisy-ryan