Anne-Cecile Degenne (Top Chef France): Trekking Through Mongolia, Eating Wild Dishes in Korea, Opening Restaurants in Top Hotels, Surprising Sustainability Concepts, Blending French and Asian Cultures

Anne-Cecile Degenne is the executive corporate chef for Accor’s Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems hotel brands, overseeing more than 100 boutique restaurant concepts around the globe. Her work and personal travels—which include trekking through Mongolia for two months—have given her a unique perspective on global cuisine, which she shares in this fun and informative interview with Bruce. Classically trained in France, Anne-Cecile has taken her talents from the Caribbean and New York to Korea and Vietnam. She shares her tips and tricks on how to discover the best authentic food culture in every new city she visits, as well as some of the lessons she’s learned about kitchen culture in different countries and how it has influenced her as a chef and traveler.  Anne-Cecile also talks about a number of the exciting new hotel and restaurant projects from Accor, including a new Sofitel in Benin, an MGallery in Nairobi, and a Sofitel Legend in Panama. Finally, Chef Degenne tells a story about her most memorable meal in Korea, one that many people might get pretty squeamish about!   Thank you to Accor for being the exclusive sponsor for this episode. To learn more about any of the hotels, food concepts, or upcoming projects mentioned today, visit https://group.accor.com/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Travel That Matters (named one of the 10 Best Podcasts of 2022 by Men’s Journal) explores the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences and destinations with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Bruce’s remarkable guests share inspiring, life-shaping stories about their adventures and cultural explorations, as well as travel tips and recommendations for the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, activities, and more. Their travel tales and insights cover everything from where to find delicious foods and ingredients and the most luxurious resorts and hotels, to the most fascinating modern cultural experiences and historical explorations. The show’s special Master Chef episodes highlight the travels and tastes of the world’s top chefs, from culinary adventures through Africa with Marcus Samuelsson and exploring remote corners of Japan with Daniel Boulud, to discovering insider spots in Australia with Curtis Stone and relaxing and rejuvenating with Nina Compton on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. You’ll even hear stories about great travelers like Anthony Bourdain and get souvenir recommendations, from traditional handicrafts to unique local delicacies. Episodes of Travel That Matters span the globe, from Sicily, Italy, to Oaxaca, Mexico, to Tel-Aviv, Israel, and beyond. Listeners also learn about the greatest activities around the United States—award-winning wine tasting, the best new restaurants, epic hiking trails, secret skiing and surfing spots, and charming boutiques in places like Healdsburg and Napa Valley (California), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and New Orleans (Louisiana). Listen to Travel That Matters every other Tuesday and gain insider knowledge to impactful adventures, extravagant hotels, top chefs, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.