Over the years, more restaurant jobs followed—but not culinary school. Learning on the job in haute cuisine kitchens, Frank secured his first executive chef position, at La Guillotine in Los Angeles, by age 21. A string of high-profile positions followed, including the opening of his own La Toque on Sunset Boulevard (at age 24).
Fast forward to 2011, and cookbook author and Chef Ken Frank can be found most evenings in the kitchen of La Toque, the restaurant he reestablished in 1998, this time in Rutherford. Now located in Napa at the Westin Verasa Hotel, La Toque continues to impress visitors with its inspired menu and wine offerings. In 2009, La Toque earned a Michelin star. Frank’s second, more casual eatery, Napa’s BANK Café and Bar, is adjacent to La Toque and offers a more affordable peek into one of Napa’s most revered kitchens.
Are you more of a rule breaker or a rule keeper?
Both. I was raised to question authority, but I’m the boss, so I get to make rules—I try to follow those. Rules made by others are subject to my interpretation. I break the speed limit on purpose every day.
Describe your favorite relative.
I come from a remarkably stable, large, happy family and have lots of great relatives, but the one who probably stands out for me would be my Mom’s dad. He was a great influence on me growing up. He could fix anything, make anything and was relentlessly curious.
Have you ever helped a total stranger?
I help anyone I can, whenever I can. It’s the Boy Scout still in me. Usually, that means little things. I can’t remember the last big one, but those opportunities are special and they’re great for putting karma in the bank.
How do you feel about your age?
What’s age?
Describe a favorite city you’ve lived in.
I moved to Napa because it’s where I wanted to live. When I travel, I’m always happy to come home. It reaffirms for me that I made a good choice.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
If I really had the chance, it would take me a long time to figure that out. Most appropriate answer: I’d end hunger.
If you could play a role in a movie, what would it be?
I’d be a fighter pilot in Top Gun. I’d give my eye teeth to fly one of those jets.
Of all the tools and gadgets you own, which one do you most enjoy using?
A table saw, because that means I’m building something.
What talent or skill would you like to have?
I’d love to be a virtuoso guitar player.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever received?
“That’s the best meal I’ve ever had.” It’s a compliment I’ll never get tired of.
What would your ideal celebration look like?
For starters, there’d be a magnum of 1962 La Tache on the table.
What’s your favorite bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan?
I dislike stickers of almost any kind and would never deface my car with one. The slogan is easy though. I stole it off a grocery delivery truck 30 years ago: “Enjoy life, eat out often.”
Describe a favorite food-and-wine pairing.
Wild duck (pintail from rice fields, to be precise) and mature Pinot Noir succeeds because they’re both delicious and better together.
What do you do when you want to relax?
I listen to music.
If you could have any music group from the past or present play at your birthday party, who would it be?
The Rolling Stones
At what age do you hope to retire?
Never. I love my job. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, why would I ever stop?
