Beyond Cuisine Celebrates

Chef Mariya Russell: The First Black Lady Chef to Receive a Michelin Star

RUSSELL REFLECTS ON HER JOURNEY, EXPRESSING HER DISBELIEF AT THE TIME IT'S TAKEN FOR A BLACK WOMAN TO BREAK THROUGH GASTRONOMIC BARRIERS.

Renowned for its culinary rigor, Chicago is a city where making a name for yourself in the food industry can be a gruelling pursuit. However, in 2019, less than a year after becoming the chef de cuisine at the sophisticated cocktail bar and restaurant Kumiko and Kikkō, Chef Mariya Russell shattered the glass ceiling. She became the first Black woman to ever receive a Michelin star.

BeyondCuisine acknowledges and celebrates this immense achievement, viewing Russell as an inspiration for all chefs in our initiative. Her perseverance and talent highlight the broader goals of BeyondCuisinedismantling barriers and promoting a diverse culinary scene.

The recognition brought both honor and disbelief to Russell, a profound sentiment that resonates deeply with our initiative, BeyondCuisine. She found herself confounded by the duration it took for a Black woman to overcome these culinary barriers, a sentiment she expressed by saying, "I don't understand... How is this the first time this has happened?" This statement illuminates the stark reality within the gastronomic sphere, where systemic hurdles and discrimination persist, posing even greater challenges for Black chefs, and in particular, Black women and other chefs of color. At BeyondCuisine, we acknowledge these difficulties and strive to bring these underrepresented voices to the fore, elevating their contributions and challenging the status quo.

THROUGHOUT HER CAREER, MARIYA HAS SEEN HOW RACIAL DISPARITIES AFFECT THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY. IN 2019, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT ONLY APPROX 14% OF CHEFS & HEAD COOKS IN THE U.S. WERE BLACK.

Despite this, Mariya emphasizes the empowering aspect of her achievement. "I'm just making food. I've just followed my dreams. I just continuously, passionately pursued it for a very long time. And here I am now," she asserts.

The unique culinary adventure she offers at Kumiko and Kikkō is testament to her remarkable talent. Here, she leads the omakase, a Japanese dining experience that literally translates to "I'll leave it to you". In this format, the chef determines the dining journey, encouraging guests to explore new tastes and embark on a unique culinary adventure.

Mariya's approach to omakase is refreshingly unconventional. She encourages open dialogue and treats the dining experience like a dinner party. Her aim is to create a comfortable, engaging environment that invites diners to participate in the gastronomic journey.

This monumental achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Russell but also serves as a reminder of the numerous individuals who paved the way for her. "I'm on a list of people making Black history because so many people paved the way for me to even go to school, let alone all this. It's completely humbling for me," she says.

In the spirit of Beyond Cuisine, we celebrate Mariya Russell's accomplishment and her contribution to the culinary world. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of our mission: to break down barriers, celebrate diversity, and champion chefs from all backgrounds and cultures.