Pig & Fig Los Alamos Daily Post: A Culinary Journey with Award-Winning Chef Laura Crucet

As the owner of Pig + Fig Cafe in White Rock, Los Alamos, New Mexico, Chef Laura Crucet has made a name for herself as an award-winning chef and entrepreneur. With over 25 years of culinary experience spanning two continents, Crucet's journey is marked by numerous accolades and achievements that demonstrate her passion for gourmet comfort food, wine, and teaching.

Since opening Pig + Fig Cafe in January 2016, Crucet has received several awards, including Best Chef in Greater New Mexico (Edible Magazine), Best Woman Owned Business (Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce), Best Restaurant in Los Alamos (Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce), and 15 Best Small Town Restaurants Across the U.S. These accolades are a testament to her dedication to serving high-quality dishes that combine comfort food with a touch of sophistication.

Before opening Pig + Fig Cafe, Crucet honed her skills at Pajarito Brewpub and Grill, where she created both sweet and savory dishes. She also taught cooking classes at the Holthouse Boys and Girls Club in Houston, where she volunteered with underserved inner city youth, teaching them to cook nutritious meals using limited resources.

Crucet's culinary journey began in 1998 when she started teaching cooking classes at Sur La Table, Brennan's, and culinary schools throughout the Southwest. She later helped launch the Vic & Anthony's steakhouse concept as Executive Pastry Chef and was nominated for Best Pastry Chef in Houston.

As a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, Crucet has a solid foundation in cuisine, pastry, bakery, wine, and restaurant operations. Her early culinary career began at Brennan's of Houston, where she worked her way through the traditional brigade system and contributed to two cookbooks. She also played a key role in the opening team for Commander's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu Paris in 2001, Crucet went on to work at Houston's acclaimed Rainbow Lodge, where she was nominated three times for Best Pastry Chef in Houston. Her extensive experience and expertise have made her a sought-after chef and instructor, with hundreds of cooking classes under her belt.

Throughout her career, Crucet has demonstrated a passion for creating memorable dining experiences that combine high-quality ingredients with exceptional service. Her awards and accolades are a testament to her commitment to excellence and her dedication to her craft.

At Pig + Fig Cafe, Crucet continues to serve up delicious dishes that showcase her culinary expertise and creativity. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or adventurous, her menu has something to offer. So why not stop by and experience the culinary journey of award-winning Chef Laura Crucet?

Pig and fig los alamos daily post