Ana Sortun facts for kids

Oleana “Ana” Sortun is a famous chef, restaurant owner, and author who lives near Boston, Massachusetts. She is known for her amazing Middle Eastern-inspired food.

Ana Sortun was born in Seattle. She loved cooking and decided to study it seriously. She went to a special cooking school in Paris, France, called La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine de Paris.

After finishing school, Ana moved to Massachusetts. In the early 1990s, she worked at several restaurants, including Argo Bistro, 8 Holyoke, and Casablanca in Harvard Square. These experiences helped her become a skilled chef.

In 2001, Ana Sortun opened her very own restaurant called Oleana. It quickly became a popular spot for delicious and unique food.

Ana is married to Chris Kurth. Chris owns a farm called Siena Farms in Sudbury, Massachusetts. The farm is named after their daughter, Siena. Siena Farms grows fresh vegetables and other produce, which is then used in Ana's restaurants. This means the food is always super fresh!

Ana's Restaurants

Besides Oleana, Ana Sortun has opened other successful places to eat.

In 2008, she teamed up with a partner, Maura Kilpatrick, to open Sofra Bakery. Sofra is a special place that is both a shop and a casual Middle Eastern cafe. You can buy tasty treats and ingredients there, or sit down for a quick meal.

Later, in 2013, Ana worked with another talented chef, Cassie Piuma. Together, they opened a restaurant called Sarma in Somerville, Massachusetts. Sarma is a type of restaurant called a "meyhane," which is a fun place where people share many small dishes.

Awards and Recognition

Ana Sortun is a highly respected chef. In 2005, she won a very important award called the James Beard Award for "Best Chef in the Northeast." This award is like an Oscar for chefs, recognizing the best culinary talent.

TV Appearances

Ana Sortun has also appeared on television. She was a contestant on the cooking show Top Chef Masters (season 2).