Zineb Hattab: From Software Developer to Michelin-Star Chef (Englisch)

GUEST: Zineb “Zizi” Hattab

Zizi is a trailblazing chef who has redefined the boundaries of vegan cuisine in Switzerland and around the world.

She was born and raised in Spain to Moroccan parents and far removed from the culinary world, she studied and worked as a software developer until she was 24 years old.

Zizi however had a burning passion for cooking simmering within her, that led her to quit her stable job at 24 years old and embark on an extraordinary adventure under the guidance of some of the world's most renowned chefs, including the likes of Daniela Soto-Innes, Andreas Caminada, Massimo Bottura, and Dan Barber.

But Zizi didn’t stop there.

Over the past 4 years, after she came back from New York. Zizi has open three plant-based restaurants here in Zurich: KLE, DAR and COR.

After only two years in business, Zizi's work has earned her prestigious recognition, including the first vegan chef in Switzerland to be awarded both a red and a green Michelin star, and she has also been named a 'Hospitality Pioneer' by The World's 50 Best's 50 Next list.

She is also the author of her own cook book called “The Taste of Love”, which was nominated for Germany’s best Vegan cookbook.

Zizis journey is a compelling tale of transformation and marked by her relentless pursuit of culinary excellence, her dedication to sustainable practices, and her commitment to challenging the status quo within the restaurant industry.

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CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Intro - Zineb Hattab

(02:44) From Software Developer to Chef

(18:39) Attitude of Excellence and Passion

(25:25) Working with Andreas Caminada

(28:12) The Brutal Kitchens of New York

(37:23) Becoming the Person you need to be

(46:07) Opening Restaurant Klee in Switzerland

(53:48) Reasons for Going Vegan

(58:16) Creating the Menu for a Michelin-Star Restaurant

(01:05:59) Values & Life Philosophy

(01:11:26) Behavioral Change

(01:14:34) Knowledge is Power

(01:19:00) Meaning of Life

(01:23:04) Challenge: Take an Inventory of what you buy

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LINKS & RESSOURCES:

• Restaurant KLEE
• Restaurant DAR
• Restaurant COR