Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Curtis Duffy (chef and restaurateur)
10 snips
Jun 25, 2025 
Curtis Duffy, a celebrated chef and restaurateur from Chicago, discusses his challenging childhood and the transformative power of cooking. He reflects on a traumatic event that shaped his life at 19 and how gastronomy became his refuge. Curtis shares intriguing stories about his journey to earning Michelin stars and the setbacks he faced, including losing his acclaimed restaurant. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of chefs and his ongoing drive for personal and professional improvement.
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Tough Childhood and Refuge
- Curtis Duffy was dropped off at 6 months old on his 15-year-old stepmom Jan's doorstep, who became his mother.
- He grew up in a chaotic home with violence but found refuge in a closet and Home Ec class at school.
Family Tragedy at 19
- At 19, Curtis' father kidnapped his mother at gunpoint, held her hostage, then shot her and himself.
- Curtis endured the traumatic aftermath, including identifying their bodies and collecting belongings.
Culinary Focus and Apprenticeship
- Curtis found purpose in culinary school and apprenticeship under chef John Sousa.
- He labored late nights, practicing and creating dishes while peers partied, building skills and focus.
