Karen Akunowicz facts for kids
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| Born | September 17, 1978 Kearny, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Education | University of Massachusetts Amherst, Cambridge School of Culinary Arts |
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Current restaurant(s)
Fox & the Knife Boston (2019–present)
Bar Volpe, Boston (2021–present) Fox & Flight, Boston (2024–present) |
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Previous restaurant(s)
Myers + Chang
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Television show(s)
Top Chef: California
Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. |
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Award(s) won
2018 James Beard Award, Best Chef: Northeast
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Karen Akunowicz is a well-known American chef. She was born on September 17, 1978. She owns several popular restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts. Her restaurant, Fox & the Knife, has won many awards. Karen Akunowicz also won a very important award in 2018. It was the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the Northeast region.
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Becoming a Chef
Karen Akunowicz grew up in Kearny, New Jersey. She finished high school in 1996. Later, she went to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. After college, she moved to Boston.
Choosing a Culinary Path
At first, Karen thought about becoming a social worker. But while working in restaurants, she found her true passion. She decided to go to culinary school instead. She studied at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. This is where she learned to become a professional chef.
Karen's Restaurant Career
Karen Akunowicz gained experience in many kitchens. She worked in Modena, Italy, at a place called L'Avian Blu. She also worked at famous Boston restaurants like Via Matta and Oleana.
Leading Myers+Chang
Later, she became the executive chef at Myers+Chang. This was a very popular restaurant in Boston. She also became a partner there. In 2015, she was nominated for a James Beard Award. This is like the Oscars for chefs! In 2018, she won the award for Best Chef: Northeast.
Writing a Cookbook
In 2017, Karen Akunowicz helped write a cookbook. It was called Myers+Chang at Home. The book shared recipes from the beloved Boston restaurant.
Opening Her Own Restaurants
In 2019, Karen Akunowicz opened her very own restaurant. It was called Fox & the Knife. This Italian restaurant is in South Boston. It quickly became very famous.
Fox & the Knife Awards
- In 2019, Food and Wine Magazine named it Best New Restaurant in America.
- Eater International also gave it this award in 2019.
- In 2020, USA Today called it one of the best new restaurants.
- Fox & the Knife was also nominated for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. This happened in both 2019 and 2020.
In November 2021, Karen opened her second restaurant. It is called Bar Volpe. This restaurant is also in South Boston. It focuses on delicious Southern Italian food. In March 2024, she opened another place. It's called Fox & Flight. This restaurant is located inside Logan International Airport in Boston.
Television Appearances
Karen Akunowicz has appeared on several cooking shows. She loves to compete and share her skills.
Cooking Competitions
- In 2014, she was on Beat Bobby Flay. She cooked Chicken & Waffles but lost to Bobby Flay.
- In 2015, she was a contestant on season 13 of Top Chef.
- In 2019, she was a guest judge on Top Chef Canada.
- In 2020, she competed again on Top Chef: All-Stars L.A..
- In 2022, she competed in Season 3 of Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions.
Personal Life
Karen Akunowicz is married to LJ Johnson. They got married in 2014. In 2022, Karen and LJ welcomed their first child. Their daughter, Rogue, was born on September 23, 2022.
