Nini Nguyen
Nini Nguyen | |
|---|---|
Nguyen in 2020 | |
| Born | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, author |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Known for | Top Chef: Kentucky Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. Tournament of Champions Last Bite Hotel |
| Website | www |
Nini Nguyen is an American chef. Based in New Orleans, she is known for her appearances on Top Chef: Kentucky, Top Chef: All-Stars L.A., and Last Bite Hotel. Her first book Đặc Biệt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook was released in August 2024 under Knopf. In 2024, Nguyen won the debut season of Last Bite Hotel on Food Network.[1]
Early life and education
Nguyen was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.[2] Her family immigrated to the area in the 1970s.[3] Her grandmother taught her to cook; Nguyen referred to her grandmother as "a huge influence as to why I became a chef."[4]
She attended Louisiana State University and received her bachelor's degree in business.[5][3] However, Nguyen graduated during the Great Recession and struggled to find work.[3] She enrolled in culinary school, but dropped out shortly after because she was gaining good culinary experience at her job.[3]
Career
Nguyen began her career working at the New Orleans bakery Sucré and later Coquette.[2] She then moved to New York City and worked at the Michelin star restaurant Eleven Madison Park for two years.[3] She next worked at the startup The Dinner Lab, and helped open a fledgling cooking school[3] called Cook Space, a cooking school in Brooklyn, where she created and led culinary programs.[6]
Television
Nguyen gained wider prominence as a contestant on season 16 of Top Chef.[7] Although she was eliminated early in the competition, she was invited to appear on the next season, Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.[3] The season premiered shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nguyen began teaching virtual cooking classes at that time.[8][9]
In 2022, Nguyen hosted Focus Features' Downton Kitchen, a cooking series inspired by Downton Abbey.[10] In 2024, she made her Food Network debut on season five of Tournament of Champions, where she entered the main bracket after winning the qualifying round.[11] Later that year Nguyen was a contestant on the cooking competition show Last Bite Hotel.[12] She won first place.[1]
Cookbook
In August 2024, she released her first book Đặc Biệt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook.[2] Of the title, Nguyen said "to be dac biet is to elevate or make more distinguished...In Vietnamese-American slang, it's like you're being extra, you're being dac biet. From the way I dress to the way I cook to just my personality, I feel like I am dac biet."[8] In a starred review, Sarah Tansley wrote in the Library Journal, "Nguyen’s delicious efforts to bring her unique cuisine and personal style to print will be a hit with fans and newbies alike."[13]
Works
- Dăc Biêt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook. Nini Nguyen & Sarah Zorn. Knopf. 2024. ISBN 9780593535547
References
- ^ a b Williams, JaNae. "Kevin Lee's 'Last Bite': How did the OKC chef do in the Food Network finale?". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
- ^ a b c Lorell, Clair (2024-08-28). "'Top Chef' Alum Nini Nguyen's Guide to Dining in New Orleans". Eater New Orleans. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Phở and Po' Boys: An Interview with Nini Nguyen - DVAN". 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ Cappiello, Emily (2020-09-22). "'Top Chef' Nini Nguyen Uses This Kitchen Tool For Just About Everything". The Gourmet Insider. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ Mixson, Colin (2019-01-02). "Top of her class: Kings County culinary instructor dominating Bravo's 'Top Chef' • Brooklyn Paper". www.brooklynpaper.com. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
- ^ "Nini Nguyen". Bravo TV Official Site. 2018-10-18. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Hutcherson, Aaron (2024-10-08). "This Vietnamese shaking beef offers something extra". Washington Post.
- ^ a b "Nini Nguyen's New Vietnamese Cookbook (Food For Thought) | All Of It". WNYC. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ Pace, Gina. "Chef Nini Nguyen Will Help You Figure Out Food To Pair With Your Favorite Drinks". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ "Let Focus Foodie Help You In The Kitchen This Thanksgiving". www.focusfeatures.com. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ^ "Tournament of Champions Season 5 Qualifiers round 2: Celebrating versatility". FoodSided. 2024-02-08. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ Maas, Jennifer (2024-08-27). "Tituss Burgess to Host New Food Network Competition 'Last Bite Hotel' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
- ^ Tansley, Sarah. "'Dăc Biêt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook' by Nini Nguyen & Sarah Zorn | LJ Review of the Day". Library Journal. Retrieved 2025-01-19.