Erin French rebuilt her life after losing her first restaurant; her Maine eatery now receives 60,000 reservation postcards a year

After battling addiction, depression and a difficult divorce that led to her losing her first restaurant, American chef Erin French rebuilt her career in her hometown of Freedom, Maine, turning a restored historic mill into one of the country's most sought-after dining destinations. Her restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, now receives around 60,000 reservation postcards annually, according to a report by Condé Nast Traveller.From her father's diner to her first restaurantFrench's relationship with food began in her hometown of Freedom, where her father ran a diner. She started working there at the age of 12, learning the practical demands of a commercial kitchen and gradually taking on more responsibilities. Her early experience included working at the grill and preparing familiar diner food, long before she became known for seasonal menus and carefully presented dishes.Cooking became a way for French to connect with people, but turning that interest into a successful restaurant came with personal costs. At around 30, she opened her first version of The Lost Kitchen in Belfast, Maine, with her then-husband. The restaurant attracted customers, but her personal life was deteriorating. In a...