This chef turned her trailer suppers into one of the most sought-after restaurants | Secret Table

The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, started as Erin French’s path to rescue herself. Now the chef receives more than 20,000 requests to dine there each year. Subscribe to The Washington Post on KZbin: wapo.st/2QOdcqK
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[@christinekaye6393]

I was the head cook for a small, all-women catering business that felt a lot like Erin's kitchen. We were like family. No yelling, no big egos, everyone doing their part, everyone in sync. It was the best 20 years of my life. Erin is living my dream. She's terrific!

[@MsMadmax1]

I love that she went back to her hometown. Her marketing strategy is brilliant--anything rare, anything special and in limited editions. The whole concept of a lottery reservation through post cards is Ingenius. The time and the care she takes into crafting seasonal and local flavors into what is essentially a work of art is not only beautiful to look at but a delightful surprise to the tastebuds. I don't know what her educational background is as far as running a business or culinary arts are concerned, but she has tapped into a very special and exclusive kind of niche very much like the French Laundry. If you make it...they will come. If you make it well, they will want it. And if you make it exclusive, they will want it more.

[@peacenow4456]

Mega respect for this gal, who knows how to survive and thrive and never say "I'm done." She's just begun, again! Kudos! And Girl, you inspire me, I have tears now too!

[@williamtaylor506]

Only a true Mainer uses the term 'dooryard'. Love that she has found so much success, but even more so, she makes sure that those around her are a part of that success. When Covid hit, and she was forced to remain closed for an entire season, she single handedly raised $325,000 for a local food bank in just 9 days, simply by asking those who were requesting reservations at the Lost Kitchen to make a donation. This in a county of fewer than 40,000 residents and a median income well below the state average.

[@hopesprings4967]

This is my very favourite of your series yet! I love love LOVE this woman’s vulnerability, yet incredible strength. Those dark nights of the soul are what create this magic. The lack of competition and nurturing support is everything. My understanding of why or what made Thomas Keller decide to become a chef, was another chef explaining…it’s really just about nurturing and caring for people. True authentic Chefs nurture. I believe you can taste it in the food. This hidden gem in freedom is obviously all about that. One of these days I will write a postcard🎉❤🇨🇦🙋🏼‍♀️💐🕊

[@Teal_Seal]

I love her resilience and grit. She gets knocked down and keeps getting up. Not afraid of hard work. Not bitter about her past, sees it as part of the journey that led her here. I wish this view was more common and encouraged in homes, schools, media, entertainment...

[@dselectroshock1010]

You have found creativity, love, and frienship through your pain and struggles. This brought you to Freedom.

[@joleneplourde9885]

I was born and raised in Maine . I left in 1999 and cooked in Florida over the next 18 years returning to Maine in 2017. I ‘ve still been cooking since my return. I wish I had known of this lovely place in Freedom sooner! I really want to go there!!

[@adrienchandler4906]

Just ... fabulous! Brava to Ms. French for her accomplishments.

[@kathybaker3116]

I have all 3 of Erins books and purchased every season of her show. She inspires me in ways that bring you alive, to pay attention to nature, to be good at what you know & enjoy & were born to be.......great!

[@mercy3219]

Great Idea -- Reservations by postcards only.... love it! Family style so it deals like a dinner party! (started as a supper club and evolved -- just wonderful!).

[@lionsingh18]

Utter respect from the UK

[@jenjoseph9394]

OOH... BLESS THEIR HEARTS 💕. BLESS HER HEART. BLESS ALL THEIR 💕 HEARTS 💕.

[@PrincessDiana1256]

I loved the ice cream in the littlr green hens! Could have been butter but I adored that small kindness. You dont find that anywhere. Love,love,love that uniqueness....postcard? On the way....this is why they love you. Just one reason. God bless you in your journey. I will share this with my family...

[@elymartin8773]

A simple life in Freedom 🥂

[@erikpeterson25]

Quite the story.....CHAMPION ! 👍💕

[@dianaweld7777]

As a New Englander, Maine always has a special appeal and now Freedom, ME is a real destination. I like how there is only one menu and everyone is served the same meal & eats communally like a dinner party. You had me at the asparagus soup and the tiny turkey salt dishes used as butter oats. I am really happy for the success of this restaurant owner, I would love to read her book

[@elvenkind6072]

Seems like a place where the food isn't the most important thing, but the company and sharing a positive experience. Really made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

[@anitaowens-decuir9488]

I Love Erin's journey- so beautiful

[@drewhendley]

Forget New York, if you can make it in Freedom Maine you can make it anywhere