How Chef Emma Bengtsson Runs a Two-Michelin-Starred Swedish Restaurant in NYC — Mise En Place

On this episode of Mise En Place, chef Emma Bengtsson tells use how she went from pastry chef to head chef of Two-Michelin-Starred Aquavit, and how she makes her world famous bird's nest dessert.

Eater is the one-stop-shop for food and restaurant obsessives across the country. With features, explainers, animations, recipes, and more — it’s the most indulgent food content around. So get hungry.

[AroyalMcWiener]

Can't believe that she is a two stared michelin star chef and serves Kladdkaka, makes me a proud swede!

[ahnana]

You are supposed to be the conductor of the orchestra, you are not supposed to play every instrument to make beautiful music.. as a new manager this helped me :)

[mrloboto]

First 2 michelin star chef i've seen who's calm and normal.

[milmoose]

I have to appreciate that she is running not just a 2-Star dining room, but also banquet services. That schedule must be insane.

[windriver]

She seems really down to earth. A rare trait for someone in her position.

[mattryan]

So level headed and focused. She not only has the skill, but also the social intelligence to apply that skill in ways not many can. A true master.

[JosephBayot]

I love how much skill and poise she demonstrates even while discussing things with the camera crew. Shows how comfortable and confident she is with her work and how the kitchen is running.

[jonasahlgren]

As a Swedish American I am so proud to see her clinging on to the Swedish heritage with an American touch in the dishes,
pleasure

[michealsore]

As a line cook she seems like a great chef to work for, she doesn’t throw her weight around and is very humble

[JiaRuAu]

I think her temperament is the main reason she's so effective as a head chef. Obviously she has the culinary skills as well, but the ability to step back and delegate while remaining calm is definitely more important. Chefs that excel at everything but are impossible to work with does not a good restaurant make.

[den_]

It's the first time I've ever heard the Pastry chef is the head chef... but food looks good!

[zkon]

Seeing a Swede running a very successful restaurant makes me very proud and patriotic! Good job Emma.

[scotthan]

Emma: Nothing really good comes out of craziness and screaming

Gordon Ramsey: Do I look like a joke to you?

[Lennu]

Truly Scandinavian style of leading. Calm, collected, puts her ego aside and makes sure that everyone can do their work in a peaceful environment. BOSS!

[detroitbloodrunsinme]

She deserves the third star, the way she speaks even deserves it

[camil.massion]

5:07 : "Stay calm is the biggest tip"

Meanwhile in Ramsay's Kitchen : WHERE'S THE LAMB SAUCE YOU DOUGHNUT !

[limon]

Holy sh*t, she got the scallops from Maine that the other guy didn’t get

[unahuli]

I like this chef. She's calm and organized even under pressure, unlike the ones i have worked with. I believe that a kitchen that is calm means you have everything under control (even the pressure is present).

[ahmedgamal-lfhl]

she is so calm and cool this will get her the third star I am sure

[hewhoshallnotbenamed]

I love swedish people, they're so, so down to earth, respectful, smart & very, very considerable!