Roze Traore | Guest Curator
Rōze Traore is more than just a chef, media personality, and entrepreneur; he is a visionary creator of unforgettable dining experiences, sought after by both discerning clients and iconic brands such as The New York Times, Veuve Clicquot, AMEX, and Louis Vuitton.
Yet, beneath his culinary mastery lies a profound journey of resilience and inspiration. As a child, Rōze faced the daunting challenge of recovering from open heart surgery due to a congenital condition. It was during this vulnerable time that he discovered the transformative power of the kitchen—a sanctuary of healing and solace that ignited his lifelong passion for the culinary arts.
At the tender age of 18, Rōze embarked on a courageous journey, packing his knife kit and enrolling in Le Cordon Bleu. His culinary pilgrimage led him to the hallowed halls of some of the world's most esteemed kitchens, including Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad, where he honed his craft under the tutelage of culinary luminaries.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and flavors discovered through a lifetime of travel, Rōze has cultivated a singular talent. He possesses a rare ability to distill the complexities of elevated fine dining into accessible techniques, empowering home chefs with the tools to create culinary masterpieces in their own kitchens.
But Rōze's culinary journey is not solely defined by accolades and achievements; it is imbued with a deep sense of purpose and compassion. In a testament to his commitment to both his heritage and his community, Rōze realized his dream of hotel ownership by opening La Fourchette de Roze in Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire—a culinary oasis nestled in the heart of his ancestral homeland. Here, amidst the picturesque charm of Grand Bassam, Rōze's culinary vision comes to life, offering guests an immersive dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of Ivory Coast.
In every dish he creates and every endeavor he undertakes, Rōze Traore embodies the profound intersection of culinary artistry, resilience, and compassion—a testament to the extraordinary power of food to heal, inspire, and uplift lives.
“I would recommend Tappan to anyone looking for art because the selected artists and work is very intentional and the community seems like they are able to have fun while still appreciating beautiful work.”
“Marleigh’s work reminds me of one remembering to be comfortable in one’s own skin and a sense of being free.”On Marleigh Culver's Reprise
“[Qhamanande]'s approach and color combination is fun. I think also the subject/storytelling behind his work is something that feels relatable to some sense.”On Qhamanande Maswana's Yellow Shirt
“I’m a big abstract art lover and it's a piece I can look at for a long time while still discovering more about the work. Making me question myself as I daze through trying to figure out the storytelling. It makes me feel present, which is something that I've been working on as of late.”On Fei Li's “Silent Upon A Peak In Darien”
“This reminds me that I need to breathe and take a break from work. Enjoy the wins and chill poolside with some sun. Perhaps even relaxing at my hotel in Ivory Coast since I’m working around the clock when I'm in town–Cheers to a quick break!”On Michael Harnish's Poolside
“Simplicity is key and appreciating the materials, to have them stand out to you, is exactly what I get from this piece. It makes me appreciate the small details even more.”On Luis Ignacio Figallo's Erosion No. 8 - Linen