Newly christened Outstanding Pastry Chef in America by the James Beard Foundation, Kelly Fields of Willa Jean in New Orleans, credits a sassy, sarcastic non-cook as being her champion, her savior and her inspiration. Her grandmother, after whom her restaurant is named, supported her when she came out, and encouraged her to pursue other choices that were not popular with her Southern family. Before launching her restaurant, Fields worked with some of America's beloved chefs including Susan Spicer and Shuna Lydon as well as John Besh, a chef once adored, now reviled, as a result of #MeToo allegations. On this episode of Speaking Broadly, listen in to hear Fields' thoughts on mentors, #MeToo, and making a perfect dough.

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Photo by Gabrielle Geiselman Milone

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