Erin French is the owner and chef at The Lost Kitchen, a 50-seat restaurant in Freedom, Maine that has been listed among TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places to visit as well as one of Bloomberg’s "12 Restaurants Worth Traveling Across the World to Experience.” She is the author of three books, including two New York Times bestsellers, her memoir, Finding Freedom, and her second cookbook, Big Heart Little Stove, which was published last fall. She and the Lost Kitchen were also featured in three seasons of Magnolia Network’s television show, The Lost Kitchen, which led to the development of her new show, Getting Lost with Erin French, an 8-episode series that started airing weekly in June 2024 on Magnolia Network with same day streaming on HBO Max.
A born-and-raised Mainer, Erin learned early on the simple pleasures of serving thoughtful food and the importance of gathering for a meal. Her love of Maine and sharing its delicious heritage with friends and curious dinner guests alike has garnered her several James Beard nominations as well as the attention of The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, and Food & Wine, to name a few. She has also been invited to share her story on NPR’s All Things Considered, CBS Sunday Morning, The Today Show, and the 207 right here in Maine!
The Lost Kitchen is now in its 11th season and offers so much more than the restaurant, including overnight cabin stays, a shop, a farmer’s market, and a small cafe. It continues to be Erin’s primary focus, and she and her team are always striving to provide guests with new and amazing experiences right in the heart of her hometown, Freedom.