Interview with Ida, Stella Award Winner

We visited Ida at Nour and interviewed her about her Stella award win. Read about women who occupy important space in the restaurant industry and karaoke.

Congratulations again, Ida! How did it feel when you found out that you had won?

Thank you so much! It was amazing, a bit unexpected for sure, but I was really happy. I actually got a little emotional.

How did you celebrate?

I was celebrated here at Nour with cake and flowers, and then we had a small celebration at the gala. The champagne was excellent.

Did you go anywhere afterwards?

Yes, we did some karaoke. I sang my daughter’s current favorite song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with Shaboozey, and it was a lot of fun

The award is given to female chefs for their impact and efforts to make the restaurant industry more equal. How do you think things are for women in the industry now, in 2024? Has it gotten better?

I think there has been a big change, especially in the women who are now influencing the industry. When I started out as a chef, there were no female role models in the industry, maybe because there hadn’t been any before. But now you can just look at the recent “Chef of the Year” competition, with Jessie Sommarström and Desirée Jaks—women have really started to make their mark in the industry, and I think that’s fantastic.

Is there anyone special you’d like to thank? Someone who’s been important along the way?

There are so many. What I thought about most when I received the award was the gratitude I feel for my colleagues in the industry that I’ve worked with. Even if you’re not working with them right now, they’re still a part of your life. It’s hard to mention names, but it’s all the people who helped me get here.

Finally, what’s happening at Nour over the winter season? How has it been working with Sayan and the team?

It’s been great working with the team and Sayan. I’ve really started to get to know everyone, get to know the restaurant, and it just keeps getting more and more fun. At the restaurant, we follow the seasons, so right now lobster is the latest addition to the menu, and quail has also made a comeback, which is really exciting.

Thank you so much, Ida!

See a snippet of the interview on video here