Eric Warnstedt

Photo courtesy of Eric Warnstedt

Why he won Because he takes great advantage of Vermont’s farmers and cheesemakers for his terrific New American dishes.

Born Ft. Lauderdale; 1975.

Education Johnson & Wales University, North Miami.

Experience Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT; Wildwood, Portland, OR.

Memorable cooking experience At Smokejacks in Burlington, VT, he catered a dinner for the band Phish. “It was the first time I cooked for someone I’d heard of.”

Ingredient obsession “I’ve become hooked on the cheeses at Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, VT.”

Favorite cheap eat “The blue-cheese brew burger at the Alchemist in Waterbury. And their beer is the best in the Northeast.”

Warm Chanterelle-and-Berry Salad with Cheddar