Thomas Keller

As Chef de Cuisine, Ara Jo leads The French Laundry kitchen, upholding the restaurant's unwavering commitment to excellence and collaborative spirit. She provides leadership, develops daily tasting menus, and directs the kitchen team, working closely with The French Laundry Culinary Garden to select the highest-quality ingredients.

Ara Jo's culinary career began at presto tempo—a fast-paced decision that took her from the concert hall and science labs to the kitchen. Raised in Seoul, South Korea, Ara Jo initially pursued paths in music and medicine, but her interest in food ultimately captured her attention. After her studies, she took the decisive step of enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone to hone her culinary techniques.

Upon her arrival at The French Laundry in 2019, Ara Jo's culinary journey was marked by rapid progression. She started as a Commis and swiftly mastered various roles, including that of a butcher and Executive Sous Chef, culminating in her most recent position as Chef de Cuisine.

Ara Jo firmly believes that her background as a musician has significantly influenced her leadership style. She explains, “As a classical pianist, I was always part of an ensemble. This experience taught me the value of teamwork, a lesson I apply in the kitchen every day. To be successful, we must work together as a team.”

Ara Jo is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of chefs and is committed to creating exceptional experiences and making memories for guests at The French Laundry, upholding Chef Keller's high standards.