Rascal + Thorn Dinner Series: Zineb "ZiZi" Hattab - March 24, 2019

Zineb Hattab is a balanced cocktail of cultural heritage, vast travel experiences and passion. Growing up surrounded by Moroccan rituals, Catalan traditions, and Mediterranean markets, she has always been unpredictable. It was no surprise when she decided to leave behind a successful career as an engineer to become a cook. She has since focused on pursuing excellence in restaurants that go beyond technique shaping her cuisine as an extension of her sensibilities.

 In 2014 she put on her first apron and travelled to the Basque Country to learn from some of the chefs who defined Spanish cuisine. Soon after she moved to Modena, attracted by Massimo Bottura’s sensitivity towards the Arts. There she trained with his guidance at Osteria Francescana.

At El Celler de Can Roca, the three brothers had a great impact on her vision of a team as a key element for success.

After those experiences, she was ready to settle at the awarded Schloss Schauenstein where she became Andreas Caminada’s mentee and right hand. Three years in Switzerland made of her a very meticulous and precise chef with an unapologetic creativity.

In 2017, inspired by Dan Barber’s vision of food as a whole system she decided to move to New York and work at Blue Hill. Then ready for a different cuisine she became the Executive Sous Chef at the acclaimed Cosme, where the discovery of Mexican food was mixed with the challenge of leading a real New York kitchen.

Persistent on evolution and pushing ahead Zineb is ready for her solo adventure. Her flavour combinations and kicking twists in techniques reflect her personality. She is now fully committed to sharing her expression in her personal project back in Europe.

We are super-excited to have Chef Hattab come to Saratoga Springs, New York, to be our fifth guest chef in the Rascal + Thorn Dinner Series prior to her European return.