Alyssa Lisle is the chef at Harry’s Fine Foods, a neighborhood restaurant located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill. “Harry’s specializes in connecting our guests with the bounty of the Pacific Northwest’s many incredible growers, purveyors and makers, all with warm, engaging and exceptional hospitality.” Learn about Alyssa Lisle…
Hometown: Chicago, IL
First job: Slingin’ fruits and veggies at the Chicago Farmers Market
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: Hiking, mushroom foraging, eating and drinking at the many incredible restaurants around Seattle.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Going to Paris, learning the language and immersing myself in all things French cuisine while cooking at some of the most incredible Michelin-starred restaurants including Le Grand.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Never giving up and persevering in an industry that doesn’t always welcome women in the kitchen and remaining true to who I am while staying committed to being the type of chef that doesn’t brings ego and toxicity into their craft.
Someone who inspires you and why: Chef Walter Manzke of Republique, LA. Regardless of how busy he is, he makes himself present in his restaurants while getting to know his staff and vendors to ensure everyone feels seen and respected.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Work in a restaurant, and get to know the culture and the industry before you decide to go to culinary school. When you commit to this industry, you’re committed for life! It’s so much hard work, a lot of which goes unnoticed, but one of the beautiful things about this industry is the people you work with who ultimately become your family.
Favorite quote: “You decide your level of involvement.” -Tyler Durden
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I love scary movies!
What makes someone fabulous: Knowing your self-worth and respecting yourself enough to ask for the things that you deserve. Be humble, but don’t back down when you know something is worth fighting for.