Ana Sortun facts for kids

Oleana “Ana” Sortun is a famous chef, restaurant owner, and author. She is well-known in the Boston area for her amazing Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.

Ana Sortun's Journey to Becoming a Chef

Ana Sortun was born in Seattle. She loved cooking and decided to study it seriously. After finishing her studies at La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine de Paris in France, she moved to Massachusetts.

In the early 1990s, Ana helped open Argo Bistro for chef Moncef Meddeb. She also worked at other popular restaurants in Harvard Square, like 8 Holyoke and Casablanca. In 2001, she opened her very own restaurant, which she named Oleana.

Ana lives in Sudbury, Massachusetts, with her husband, Chris Kurth. Chris owns Siena Farms, a farm named after their daughter. This farm grows fresh produce, which is then used in Ana's restaurant, Oleana.

Ana Sortun's Restaurants

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

• Sofra Bakery: In 2008, she teamed up with Maura Kilpatrick to open Sofra Bakery. This spot is both a shop where you can buy delicious treats and a casual Middle Eastern café.
• Sarma: In 2013, Ana partnered with Chef de Cuisine Cassie Piuma to open Sarma. This restaurant, located in Somerville, Massachusetts, is a type of Turkish restaurant called a meyhane, known for its small plates and lively atmosphere.

Awards and TV Appearances

Ana Sortun has received special recognition for her cooking skills.

Chef Awards and Honors

In 2005, Ana Sortun won the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northeast. This award is like an Oscar for chefs, recognizing the best culinary talent.

Ana Sortun on Television

Ana has also appeared on television shows, sharing her cooking talents with a wider audience.

• Top Chef Masters (season 2)