Jason Vincent's path to cooking was an unlikely one. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, he got a job as a dishwasher at a local Italian restaurant. Though it wasn't a glamorous position, Vincent was drawn to the familiar regimen of the industry. On Monday nights, the chefs would shop for the staff meal; it was over these family-style dinners that Vincent glimpsed the behind-the-scenes processes that make a restaurant hum.
When cooking began to define his college years, Vincent decided to leave academia to pursue his passion at the Culinary Institute of America. After graduating he worked for a stint at the renowned Restaurant Arzak in San Sebastin, Spain. It was here that Vincent learned how simple food could be expertly executed, and how intricate details could make or break a dish. A chance encounter with a famous chef made him realize he still had a lot to learn. "The chef told me, 'After working here, you could rule the world.' And I realized, I didn't want to rule the world. I first had to learn every single thing I could about cooking."
After Spain, Vincent returned to the United States, zigzagging across the country, eventually moving to Portland, Maine, to work as a line cook at the lauded Fore Street restaurant. Through his travels, Vincent met chefs he respected and connected with, and the emotional component of cooking became clearer. Eventually, Vincent settled in Chicago, where he was introduced to Jason Hammel, chef-owner of Lula Caf, Nightwood's sibling restaurant. After working together for four years, Hammel broached the subject of a second restaurant. Located in Chicago's near-South Side Pilsen neighborhood, Nightwood advances Lula Cafs farm-to-table philosophy to the next degree. The menu changes daily, and is handwritten to reflect the ingredients that are available each day; the ever-evolving menu keeps Vincent on his toes.
Under Vincent's leadership, Nightwood has earned the Michelin Guides Bib Gourmand Award, was recognized on Bon Apptit magazine's 10 Best Dishes of 2010 list and was named Best Neighborhood Restaurant by the Chicago Tribune in 2011. When Vincent isn't working, he can be found at his home in Logan Square with his wife and newborn daughter.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Jason Vincent and other top speakers and celebrities.
-For Jason Vincent, the only downside in being named one of Food & Wine magazine's “Best New Chefs in America,” was the timing. Making the 2013 list of 10 ...
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
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Jason Vincent's path to cooking was an unlikely one. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, he got a job as a dishwasher at a local Italian restaurant. Though it wasn't a glamorous position, Vincent was drawn to the familiar regimen of the industry. On Monday nights, the chefs would shop for the staff meal; it was over these family-style dinners that Vincent glimpsed the behind-the-scenes processes that make a restaurant hum.
When cooking began to define his college years, Vincent decided to leave academia to pursue his passion at the Culinary Institute of America. After graduating he worked for a stint at the renowned Restaurant Arzak in San Sebastin, Spain. It was here that Vincent learned how simple food could be expertly executed, and how intricate details could make or break a dish. A chance encounter with a famous chef made him realize he still had a lot to learn. "The chef told me, 'After working here, you could rule the world.' And I realized, I didn't want to rule the world. I first had to learn every single thing I could about cooking."
After Spain, Vincent returned to the United States, zigzagging across the country, eventually moving to Portland, Maine, to work as a line cook at the lauded Fore Street restaurant. Through his travels, Vincent met chefs he respected and connected with, and the emotional component of cooking became clearer. Eventually, Vincent settled in Chicago, where he was introduced to Jason Hammel, chef-owner of Lula Caf, Nightwood's sibling restaurant. After working together for four years, Hammel broached the subject of a second restaurant. Located in Chicago's near-South Side Pilsen neighborhood, Nightwood advances Lula Cafs farm-to-table philosophy to the next degree. The menu changes daily, and is handwritten to reflect the ingredients that are available each day; the ever-evolving menu keeps Vincent on his toes.
Under Vincent's leadership, Nightwood has earned the Michelin Guides Bib Gourmand Award, was recognized on Bon Apptit magazine's 10 Best Dishes of 2010 list and was named Best Neighborhood Restaurant by the Chicago Tribune in 2011. When Vincent isn't working, he can be found at his home in Logan Square with his wife and newborn daughter.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Jason Vincent and other top speakers and celebrities.
Jason Vincent is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Jason Vincent for your event is available upon request. Jason Vincent generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Chris Shepherd, Matthew Gaudet, Jose Enrique, Justin Cogley and Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jason Vincent for an upcoming event.
For Jason Vincent, the only downside in being named one of Food & Wine magazine's “Best New Chefs in America,” was the timing. Making the 2013 list of 10 ...
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
If you are the talent, and wish to request removal from this catalog or report an issue with your profile, please click here.