After gaining a bachelors degree in Philosophy from Hamilton College in New York, chef Christopher Kostow started on his path to becoming the three Michelin star chef that he is today. He has been the Executive Chef at Meadowood since 2008 and has since been awarded his stars and theBest Chef: West and Best Chef: Pacific accolade by the James Beard Foundation.His culinary philosophy combines refined aesthetics, unique and unusual flavoursand technical excellence.
His quest landed him in San Diego in 1999, where he set out to enter the world of fine dining, catching the eye of the area’s foremost chef, Trey Foshee. After just a few months at the acclaimed George’s at the Cove, Chef Foshee gave Christopher the opportunity to create his own dishes, when he was just 22. The intensity and discipline of the kitchen was a welcome challenge for Christopher, who worked his way up the ranks during a three-year tenure.
Always pushing to return to the States, Christopher moved to San Francisco where he worked as a sous chef under Daniel Humm at Campton Place Restaurant. From there he became top toque at Chez TJ in Mountain View for two years, garnering the restaurant many accolades including two Michelin stars.
Chef Kostow will be taking part in Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2014.
- 3 Michelin stars, 2011
- Best Chef: West, James Beard Foundation, 2013
Describe your culinary philosophy in 5 words…
Cooking in service to Napa Valley
How did you feel when you were awarded your first Michelin star?
It was the honor of a lifetime. Having said that, we must work hard to no let that define us. Our goal is to continue to continuously evolve and improve. We try to not rest on our laurels.
What is your greatest inspiration?
Coming to this region and working with the purveyors and artisans here, and working with the products grown & found wild here has been the greatest inspiration to my cooking.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
I’d say my daughter Daisy, my wife Martina, and my dog Charlie; but I’d hate to trap them on a deserted island!
900 Meadowood Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
USA
+1 (877) 963-3646