Menu Innovator Blog

The Walrus and The Carpenter, Seattle, WA (Seafood) Chef: Renee Erickson Renee Erickson is a widely respected Chef, Restauranteur, and Author who manages multiple restaurants in the Seattle area. Erickson is native to Seattle and all her restaurants feature the bounty of the area with a bit of the European culinary flair that she is…

The White Barn Inn Restaurant, Kennebunk, ME (New American) Chef: Jonathan Cartwright Jonathan Cartwright stubbled upon his career in the culinary arts purely by accident, and through the not so gentle push from his father to “get a job” at a young age. After being placed on the “hot line” when a Sous Chef did…

Thomas Henkelmann, Greenwich, CT (French) Chef: Thomas Henkelmann Born in Germany, Chef Thomas Henkelmann began his culinary career as a young child helping in his parent’s German family restaurant. Henkelmann made himself a promise early on in his youth, to become the best French Chef that he could be. To achieve this goal, Henkelmann studied…

Alinea, Chicago, IL (Eclectic) Chef: Grant Achatz As one of the most highly awarded chefs in the world, Grant Achatz is widely known for his creative take on modern cuisine and contributions to molecular gastronomy. Achatz describes his cuisine as progressive as he seeks to use food to tell a story and awaken the senses.…

Cosme, New York, NY (Latin) Chef: Enrique Olvera Enrique Olvera is a Mexican Chef who quickly became widely recognized in America after his appearance on Season Two of the Netflix documentary, Chef’s Table. Both classically trained and experienced in gastronomy, Olvera strives to take centuries-old Mexican traditions, infusing them with a modern vibe, locally sourced,…

Daniel, New York, NY (French) Chef: Daniel Boulud Chef Daniel Boulud spent his childhood on his family’s farm in Lyon, France. It was here that he developed a fondness for cooking with local, seasonal ingredients. Incorporating seasonal produce and other local ingredients is a practice that he continues in his work today. Classically trained in…

Gary Danko, San Francisco, CA (Eclectic) Chef: Gary Danko Gary Danko is one of America’s most widely respected Chefs and has dedicated his life to culinary pursuits. Skilled in classic French cooking techniques, Danko incorporates French, Mediterranean, and American styles into his cooking. Danko has also always made the commitment to using locally sourced ingredients…

Jean Georges, New York, NY (French) Chef: Jean Georges Vongerichten Jean Georges Vongerichten is one of the most awarded and famous chefs of our time, with multiple James Beard awards to his name, and Two Michelin Stars for his flagship restaurant, Jean Georges. Highly experienced in traditional French cooking, Vongerichten spent many years in Asia,…

Manresa, Los Gatos, CA (Latin) Chef: David Kinch David Kinch is a highly distinguished American Chef who has worked to bring himself to the forefront of contemporary cuisine in California. Kinch is the winner of three Michelin Stars, the James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in America, Pacific Region, and Four Stars from the…

McCrady’s, Charleston, SC (Southern) Chef: Sean Brock Sean Brock is a highly regarded Chef known for his expertise in Southern Cuisine. He is not only respected for his ability to create delicious meals, but also for spending a good majority of his career studying the South and striving to honor Southern traditions with the food…