Trailblazing Women Chefs: Forging a Path in the Culinary Landscape

In a world where the culinary industry was once dominated by men, a new generation of women chefs is emerging, shattering stereotypes and redefining the landscape. This series pays tribute to the remarkable women who have dedicated their time, energy, and talents to making the food world a better and more delicious place.

Empowering Women, One Dish at a Time

Embracing Adversity, Cultivating Success

Dana Spandet, the chef and owner of Flour Girl & Flame, has faced her fair share of challenges on the path to success. From a tumultuous past filled with addiction and uncertainty to a life-altering accident that threatened to derail her culinary career, Spandet's journey has been one of resilience and self-discovery. The best advice she's ever received – "Stop waiting for the other shoe to drop" – has become a mantra that has guided her through the ups and downs of her professional and personal life.Spandet's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of shifting one's mindset. As a young woman drawn to the gritty world of hospitality, she initially saw the industry as a means of escape, a way to indulge in the "pirate life" of smoking, drugs, and chaos. However, her experiences working in numerous chain restaurants, where she was repeatedly fired, eventually led her to a pivotal moment of clarity.

Embracing Sobriety, Cultivating Growth

It was during her time at the Bartolotta Restaurants that Spandet began to see the industry in a new light. Despite her "drug-addled state," she listened intently to the wisdom imparted by Joe Bartolotta, which sparked a shift in her perspective. Over the years, Spandet worked in countless restaurants, learning and growing despite her struggles with addiction. It wasn't until she hit rock bottom that she made the decision to get sober, a choice that would ultimately shape the trajectory of her career.Spandet's journey to sobriety was not without its challenges, but it was during this time that she discovered a newfound passion for gardening, beekeeping, and vermicomposting. These activities became an integral part of her recovery, as she channeled her energy into nurturing and caring for living things. This connection to the natural world would later inform her approach to running her own business, Flour Girl & Flame.

Embracing Resilience, Cultivating Inclusion

In 2020, Spandet launched Flour Girl & Flame, a mobile pizza trailer business that allowed her to explore her love for wood-fired cooking. Driven by a desire to challenge herself and create a more inclusive environment, Spandet intentionally fostered a diverse team, supporting LGBTQ+ growers, women producers, and farmers of color. Her commitment to empowering others was a reflection of the grace she had received throughout her own journey.Spandet's leadership style is marked by a willingness to take chances on people and a belief in their potential. "I'm not the type of leader who's going to give up on people," she says. "Sometimes I think I'm too easy on people. And yet, one of the things that's the most rewarding is watching people reach their full potential."

Embracing Adversity, Cultivating Resilience

Spandet's resilience was put to the test once again when a devastating accident left her with a traumatic brain injury and the loss of her senses of taste and smell. This setback threatened to derail her career, as she struggled to reconcile her identity as a chef with the inability to fully experience the flavors and aromas that were once so integral to her work.Rather than succumbing to despair, Spandet chose to be transparent about her challenges, reaching out to fellow chefs for support. The outpouring of empathy and encouragement she received from the culinary community, including the likes of Greg Leon, Justin Aprahamian, and Luke Zahm, was a testament to the power of community and the shared experience of overcoming adversity.

Embracing Change, Cultivating Mastery

Undeterred by her loss of senses, Spandet has embraced a new challenge – mastering the art of cooking over coal, wood, and fire. She has immersed herself in the teachings of Charly Prétet, the owner of Terra Firma Dining, and is determined to leverage her newfound expertise to create a unique and intimate dining experience.Spandet's journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in the culinary industry. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs, showcasing the power of perseverance, the transformative impact of mindset shifts, and the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive environments. As Spandet continues to forge her path, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of women to shatter the glass ceiling and redefine the culinary landscape.