Chef Suzanne Goin Remembers Opening Night of Lucques

The greatest restaurants don't just serve meals. They become part of our lives.   James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Suzanne Goin joins The Jeremiah Show for a timeless conversation about creativity, hospitality, leadership, and what it really takes to build a restaurant that endures.   In this classic 2019 interview, Suzanne reflects on the terrifying opening night of Lucques, the self-doubt that accompanies every new menu, and the philosophy that has guided one of America's most respected culinary careers. She shares stories from her childhood, from her time working alongside culinary pioneers including Alice Waters, Nancy Silverton, and Mark Peel, and explains why serving guests is both an honor and a lifelong responsibility.   Jeremiah and Suzanne also explore the realities of running multiple restaurants, mentoring the next generation of chefs, balancing creativity with business, and why the greatest compliment isn't an award—it's becoming the restaurant where people celebrate life's most meaningful moments.   The conversation also highlights Suzanne's remarkable philanthropic work with L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade, which has raised millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research through the generosity of the culinary community.   More than a conversation about food, this episode is about purpose, perseverance, and creating places where people feel cared for.   "If you love a restaurant, keep eating there. Keep supporting it." — Suzanne Goin   * This episode originally aired on November 3, 2019.   The Lucques Group   Suzanne Goin Instagram   Alex’s Lemonade Stand   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Meet Suzanne Goin 02:00 Why Lucques became one of America's "New Classics" 10:45 Opening night fears and finding confidence 16:50 Women in professional kitchens 22:20 Creativity, new menus, and people-pleasing 30:00 Discovering a passion for cooking 35:40 Choosing the chef's path over graduate school 41:50 Hospitality as an act of caring 44:40 Signature dishes that never leave the menu 51:20 L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade 1:00:50 Overtime: Running multiple restaurants 1:06:00 Mentors, Alice Waters, and developing young chefs 1:09:30 Challenges facing today's restaurant industry 1:13:20 Creativity, balance, and life outside the kitchen 1:17:30 The cookbook that shaped her career   POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve   Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY   Partner with The Jeremiah Show  BRAND PARTNER DECK   The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network  www.thejeremiahshow.com https://radio-evolve.rocks   Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio   THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES    Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30” Music Connection Magazine  MusiCares  Omad Records Nicole Sofia Voracious Records Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”   The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio.   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS   Jeremiah D. Higgins   Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio   Did you like the music in this episode?  The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks     The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band   NEW SHOWS - Every Friday Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday