Picture a chef who turned his Haitian roots into a culinary revolution—meet Gregory Gourdet! This Top Chef star has taken the food world by storm, blending vibrant global flavors with a passion for health and heritage. From battling personal challenges to opening the award-winning Kann restaurant, Gourdet’s journey is as inspiring as his dishes are delicious.
Born to Haitian immigrants, Gourdet’s story is one of resilience, flavor, and cultural pride. His cookbook, Everyone’s Table, and his Portland-based restaurant have redefined modern cuisine, proving food can be both nourishing and unforgettable. Let’s dive into the life of this culinary trailblazer!
The Making of Gregory Gourdet
Born on July 25, 1975, in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, New York, Gregory Gourdet grew up immersed in Haitian culture. Sent to live with his grandparents in Haiti at age four, he soaked up the island’s bold flavors and vibrant traditions. Back in the U.S., his path wasn’t always culinary—Gourdet initially pursued pre-med at NYU, then studied wildlife biology and French at the University of Montana. It was there, working at a sandwich shop, that he discovered his love for feeding people. This spark led him to the Culinary Institute of America, where he honed his craft under the mentorship of renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten for nearly seven years.
Gregory Gourdet’s Unforgettable Creations
Gourdet’s culinary style is a dazzling fusion of his Haitian heritage, French training, and love for Asian and African cuisines. In 2010, he took the helm as Executive Chef at Departure Restaurant and Lounge in Portland, Oregon, crafting modern Asian dishes that married Pacific Northwest ingredients with global traditions. His innovative approach earned him accolades like Eater Portland’s 'Hottest Chef 2012' and 'Chef of the Year' by the Oregon Department of Agriculture in 2013.
In 2021, Gourdet published Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health, a James Beard Award-winning cookbook co-authored with J.J. Goode. This national bestseller features 200 paleo-friendly recipes—gluten-free, dairy-free, and bursting with superfoods—that reflect his journey to sobriety and healthy living. Dishes like poule nan sos (Haitian stewed chicken) and salmon with sauce ti malice showcase his knack for bold, nutrient-rich flavors. In 2022, he opened Kann, a wood-fired Haitian restaurant in Portland, which won the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2023. Kann’s griyo and roasted plantains have become iconic, earning praise from Eater and The New York Times.
Gourdet’s upcoming cookbook, The Weekday Table: No Fuss Recipes for Modern Health, set for 2025, promises more accessible, health-conscious recipes. His subterranean cocktail bar, Sousòl, opened in 2022, celebrates Pan-Caribbean flavors with an inclusive zero-proof menu, reflecting his commitment to diverse palates.
Why Gregory Gourdet Matters
Gourdet’s impact transcends the kitchen. By centering Haitian cuisine in America, he’s elevated a culture often overlooked, fostering pride among the diaspora and educating diners through Kann’s bold dishes. His focus on equity—building a women-centric, queer, and BIPOC-led team at Kann—sets a new standard for the restaurant industry. A vocal advocate during the pandemic, Gourdet’s TEDxPortland talk and 'Keep Calm' cooking classes supported local chefs, while his sobriety journey inspires others to embrace health without sacrificing flavor.
As a three-time James Beard Award winner and two-time Top Chef finalist, Gourdet has put Portland’s food scene on the map, proving that food can bridge cultures and heal. His work continues to influence chefs and home cooks alike, making healthy eating vibrant and accessible.
About Gregory Gourdet
- Born: July 25, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York
- Key Works: Everyone’s Table (2021), Kann restaurant (2022), The Weekday Table (2025)
- Awards: James Beard Awards for Best Cookbook (2022), Best New Restaurant (2023), Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (2024)
- Fun Fact: An avid trail runner, Gourdet is openly gay and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Ready to taste the magic? Snag Everyone’s Table or book a table at Kann to experience Gregory Gourdet’s flavorful world!