Erin French is a renowned chef and the owner of the Lost Kitchen, a 40-seat restaurant in Freedom, Maine, that has been praised by Time Magazine, Bloomberg, and the James Beard Foundation. But behind her success lies a story of struggle, addiction, and heartbreak. In this article, we will explore how Erin French’s husband, Michael Dutton, helped her rebuild her life after a turbulent divorce from her first husband, Todd French.
A Dream Turned into a Nightmare
Erin French grew up in Freedom, Maine, a small town with a population of less than 800 people. She learned to cook at her father’s diner, where she did everything from washing dishes to frying pancakes. She married Todd French, a professional boatbuilder, in 2006, and they had a son named Jaim, which means “I love” in French.
In 2011, Erin and Todd opened the first Lost Kitchen in Belfast, Maine, a farm-to-table restaurant that quickly gained popularity. However, Erin soon found herself overwhelmed by the stress and pressure of running a restaurant. She developed an addiction to Xanax and Ambien, which she used to cope with her anxiety and insomnia. She also felt trapped in an unhappy marriage, as Todd was controlling and abusive.
In 2013, Erin checked into rehab to overcome her addiction. She hoped to save her marriage and her restaurant, but she was in for a rude awakening. She discovered that Todd had secretly closed the Lost Kitchen, fired the staff, and changed the locks. He also filed for divorce and took custody of their son. Erin was left with nothing but debt and despair.
A New Beginning
Erin moved back to her hometown of Freedom, where she lived in a cabin on her parents’ property. She started cooking again, hosting secret suppers and parties at her apartment. She gained a loyal following of fans who loved her food and her story. She decided to reopen the Lost Kitchen in an old mill in Freedom, where she transformed the space into a cozy and rustic dining room.
However, Erin still felt lonely and hopeless. She longed for love and companionship, but she was afraid to trust anyone again. She decided to give online dating a try, and she signed up for Match.com. There, she met Michael Dutton, a media executive from Boston. They exchanged messages and phone calls, and they felt an instant connection. They decided to meet in person, and they hit it off right away.
Michael was supportive, kind, and understanding. He encouraged Erin to pursue her passion and to heal from her past. He also bonded with her son, Jaim, who welcomed him as a father figure. Erin and Michael fell in love, and they got married in August 2018. They now work together at the Lost Kitchen, where Michael handles the business side and Erin focuses on the creative side. They also run an online shop, where they sell lifestyle products inspired by their restaurant.
A Happy Ending
Erin French’s husband, Michael Dutton, has been a blessing in her life. He has helped her find happiness and freedom after a dark and difficult period. He has also been a partner in her success, as the Lost Kitchen has become one of the most sought-after restaurants in the world. The restaurant receives over 20,000 postcards a year from people who want to make a reservation, and it has been featured in various media outlets and documentaries.
Erin and Michael have also written a book together, titled Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch. The book chronicles Erin’s journey from addiction and divorce to recovery and love. It also includes recipes and photos from the Lost Kitchen. The book has been praised by critics and readers alike, and it has been nominated for several awards.
Erin French’s husband, Michael Dutton, is more than just a spouse. He is a friend, a confidant, and a collaborator. He has shown Erin that love can heal, and that dreams can come true. He has given her a reason to smile, and a purpose to live.
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