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.
- What’s a dish that tastes like home?
- If you could open a novel restaurant concept that was guaranteed to be a success, what would it be?
- When did you know you wanted to cook for the rest of your life?
- What’s the best meal you’ve had recently?
- What chefs inspire you?
- If you could add one thing to your menu that doesn’t make sense but you love making, what would it be?
- Which piece of Made In cookware do you reach for the most?
- What do you expect out of your cookware?
- How important is having good kitchen tools?
- What’s one way you use Made In cookware to finish a favorite dish on the menu?
What’s a dish that tastes like home?
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?
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?
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?
The Butter Warmer.
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?
We use the Carbon Steel Pans to cook fish and steaks. The heat that the pans conduct help create proper crust and crispy skin.
