Tim Cushman Instagram Location: Boston Chef Tim Cushman is the co-founder of Cushman Concepts, a hospitality group that includes the award-winning contemporary Japanese eatery o ya and modern American neighborhood restaurant bianca in Boston. A 2008 F&W Best New Chef, Cushman has been nominated multiple times for the James Beard Award, winning in 2012 for Best Chef: Northeast. Experience As a young aspiring musician trying to make ends meet, Tim Cushman found work in a Los Angeles restaurant, which set him on the path to a global culinary adventure. He spent several years traveling and cooking in countries such as Japan, France, Thailand, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Taiwan as a corporate chef with Lettuce Entertain You. Cushman eventually started his own consulting business and, in 2007 opened o ya with his wife Nancy. His take on contemporary Japanese cuisine garnered accolades from The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Details Magazine, and Boston Magazine, among others. The couple went on to open an o ya outpost in Mexico City and other concepts in New York, California, and Boston, including Hojoko, gogo ya, and Ms. Cluck’s Deluxe Chicken & Dumplings. Education Tim Cushman holds a bachelor of arts degree in jazz and classical guitar from Berklee College of Music. About Food & Wine Food & Wine, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for anyone passionate about the culinary world. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine. Learn more about us and our editorial process.