ALL-CLAD CHEF AMBASSADOR NINA COMPTON & CIA GRADUATE

Every day, we are inspired by the chefs within our All-Clad community, and on International Women’s Day, we are especially reminded and inspired by all their contributions.

On this special day, we would like to highlight the journey and very impressive path All-Clad’s Chef Ambassador Nina Compton has accomplished to date. We hope her story inspires you to keep growing and be thankful for all the women in your life.

Nina Compton was born and raised in St. Lucia. She grew up with the flavors and beauty of the Caribbean and pursued her career in the United States. In 2001, she graduated from America’s finest culinary school, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and developed skills that allowed her to be an award-winning chef and restauranteur. She is the chef/owner of Compère Lapin in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. Nina also has a second restaurant venture, Bywater American Bistro (BABs), located in New Orleans’ “Sliver by the River” Bywater neighborhood.

Since opening Compère Lapin, the restaurant has received critical acclaim awards including Eater National's "Best Restaurants in America 2017," a rave review in The New York Times. At Compère Lapin, the talented toque creates robust dishes that meld the flavors of her Caribbean upbringing and love for French and Italian cuisine, while highlighting the Gulf and Louisiana’s beautiful indigenous ingredients.

Nina is the winner of the 2018 James Beard Award “Best Chef: South” and one of Food & Wine magazine’s "Best New Chefs 2017". In 2023, Nina was inducted as a CIA Graduate All Star during the 2023 Leadership awards, showing that hard work and determination in your education can unlock many opportunities.

One of Nina’s life lessons, mastering consommés -

“Before coming to the CIA and receiving formal culinary training, mastering consommés were foreign to me so getting exposure to this opened my eyes that cooking and perfecting things are a true skill I need to learn to be at the top of my culinary game.”

Check out Nina’s recipe for a Chicken Consommé with Spring Vegetables.

ALL-CLAD FUTURE CHEF’S SCHOLARSHIP - ELIZABETH FRASER

All-Clad has the opportunity to grant students scholarship donations to further their education through the Gift in Kind Program. This year one of our All-Clad Scholarship students is Elizabeth Fraser.

After earning her associate degree in Culinary Arts this past April, Elizabeth will go on to the CIA in Hyde Park, New York, this September, for her Bachelor’s Degree in Food Business Management. 

“My inspiration originated from a toy kitchen and a few childhood movies. Culinary classes and Skills USA competitions followed later in High School, but my formal education began in September 2021 at the Culinary Institute of America. My perspective on food has evolved so much that I am eager for more. I know the CIA was the perfect choice for me.”

 “To say now I can focus less on finances and more on my education and personal growth as an aspiring chef is a bit of an understatement. All-Clad Metalcrafters, you have given hope to many culinary students like me. You will always be my cookware of choice and have my great admiration and gratitude. I will do my best to work hard and continue to earn this honor.”

We look forward to seeing Elizabeth’s hard work and determination help grow her career after completing her education at The Culinary Institute of America. Watching Elizabeth’s journey at the Culinary Institute America makes us proud supporters of the Culinary Institute of America. 

After sending Elizabeth some All-Clad cookware, she was inspired to share a recipe near and dear to her. Please check out her recipe for Ah Bu's Pork Dumplings.

All-Clad stands by the industry leaders and future standout chefs of the Culinary Institute of America.  And as you can see, hard work and a good education can lead you to ignite your passion.

Stage 3: Finishing

After the metal has taken shape, it is given the proper finish. Whether it is polished or brushed, our skilled craftspeople will make the item ready to shine in your home.

Stage 4: Riveting

Finally, handles are riveted by hand onto each piece of cookware. Our handles are designed for comfort and functionality, making it easier to toss, pour, and saute in your favorite pan.