Meet Chef Rachel!
Rachel Bindel is the embodiment of generosity, talent, and leadership—a chef whose passion extends far beyond the kitchen. She has taken the expertise honed at the Culinary Institute of America and in Michelin-starred restaurants and transformed it into something truly meaningful: a way to empower others. From her time at Husk under Sean Brock to her work at Tail Up Goat and Gravitas, Rachel’s career is a testament to both dedication and artistry.
Yet, her true brilliance lies in how she shares that knowledge. At Skillette, she fosters an environment that is as inclusive as it is inspiring, inviting home chefs to embrace the joy of cooking with confidence. She understands that food is more than technique—it is storytelling, culture, and care. Every dish carries a history, every ingredient has a purpose, and through her teaching, she ensures that culinary traditions are not just preserved but reimagined for the next generation.
Rachel’s leadership is defined by her ability to lift others up, encouraging them to try something new. She is not only an accomplished chef but a mentor, a guide, and a champion of accessible culinary education. Recognized early on as one of San Pellegrino’s Top 10 Young Chefs in America in 2020 and later competing in DC’s Capital Food Fight in 2023, she has proven that excellence in the culinary world is not just about mastering skills but about passing them on.
With every lesson she teaches, every tradition she preserves, and every aspiring cook she encourages, Rachel is shaping the future of food—one dish, one student, and one act of hospitality at a time. She is redefining what it means to be a rising culinary star, not just through her achievements, but through the lives she touches, the confidence she instills, and the community she builds around the simple yet profound act of gathering around a table.
Chef Rachel’s experience working under some of the country’s most celebrated chefs has shaped her, but it is her commitment to passing that knowledge on—to ensuring that exceptional cooking is not just reserved for elite kitchens but accessible to all—that truly sets her apart.
While many rising stars define success by their own accolades, Rachel measures hers by the impact she has on others. She is building something greater than a career—she is building a movement. At Skillette, she is redefining what it means to be a chef, creating a bridge between professional and home kitchens so that the traditions, techniques, and artistry of Michelin-starred establishments don’t remain locked behind restaurant doors but instead become part of everyday cooking.
Rachel’s leadership is not about commanding a kitchen; it is about fostering confidence, empowering others, and ensuring that the next generation of cooks—whether home chefs or aspiring professionals—feel equipped to create with both skill and heart. Cooking is one of the last tangible, human experiences in an increasingly digital world. Without mentorship, without the passing down of knowledge, we risk losing not just techniques but an essential part of our shared history. Rachel understands this at her core, and she has made it her mission to preserve, teach, and inspire.
Her promise for the future is clear: she is shaping a new generation of cooks who will not only master technique but will carry forward the spirit of hospitality—the understanding that food is not just about sustenance or a show, but about storytelling, tradition, and care. And in doing so, she is ensuring that the heart of cooking, and of true hospitality, remains alive for generations to come.