Award-winning Chef Laura Crucet is a Texas native whose culinary career spans over 25 years and two continents. She is a graduate of the world-famous Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, an acclaimed cooking instructor and owner of Pig + Fig Cafe.

Before graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Crucet began her culinary career at Brennan’s of Houston in the late 90’s where she worked her way through the traditional brigade system at the Gulf Coast landmark Zagat calls a “peerless Creole classic.” While there, she worked on two cookbooks and was on the opening team for Commander’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu Paris in 2001 where she studied cuisine, pastry, bakery, wine and restaurant operations, Chef Crucet worked at Houston’s acclaimed Rainbow Lodge where she was nominated three times for Best Pastry Chef in Houston. During her tenure at Rainbow Lodge, Crucet assisted in the successful execution of hundreds of wine dinners, wedding receptions, banquets and special events. In 2004, she helped launch the Vic & Anthony’s steakhouse concept, and as Executive Pastry Chef, created another award-winning menu and was once again nominated for Best Pastry Chef in Houston.

Since 1998, Chef Crucet has taught hundreds of cooking classes at Sur La Table, Brennan’s and culinary schools throughout the Southwest. Most importantly, she taught classes at the Holthouse Boys and Girls Club in Houston where she volunteered with underserved inner city youth, teaching them to cook nutritious meals for themselves using limited resources.

After moving to Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 2009, Crucet decided to take a short break to spend time with her young children. Then in 2012, she joined Pajarito Brewpub and Grill where she enjoyed creating both sweet and savory dishes. In January of 2016, Crucet opened Pig + Fig Cafe in White Rock where she is combining her passion for gourmet comfort food with her love and appreciation of wine.

Since opening Pig + Fig, Crucet has continued to receive numerous awards including: Best Chef in Greater New Mexico (Edible Magazine), Best Woman Owned Business (Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce), Best Restaurant in Los Alamos (Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce) and 15 Best Small Town Restaurants Across the U.S. (Travel Awaits).