Kelly Liken facts for kids
| Born | August 29, 1976 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
|---|---|
| Cooking style | American cuisine |
| Education | Culinary Institute of America |
| Official website | |
| http://www.kellyliken.com/ | |
Kelly Liken is a well-known American chef and restaurant owner. She has worked in different places like Virginia and Colorado. Kelly has opened two restaurants in Colorado. You might also know her from TV shows like Top Chef and Iron Chef America.
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About Kelly Liken
Kelly Liken was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today, she lives in Vail, Colorado. She went to a famous cooking school called the Culinary Institute of America. Kelly was very good at school and even graduated first in her class!
Her Journey as a Chef
Kelly Liken started her cooking career as an intern. She worked at the Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia. In 2002, she moved to Colorado. There, she worked at a restaurant called Splendido at the Chateau.
In 2004, Kelly opened her own restaurant. It was called Restaurant Kelly Liken and was located in Vail. This restaurant closed in 2015. But Kelly didn't stop there! In 2016, she opened a new restaurant called Harvest Vail in Edwards, Colorado.
Kelly on TV
Kelly Liken is also famous for her TV appearances. She has been on the Bravo Network's Top Chef D.C. She also competed on the Food Network's Iron Chef America. You might have seen her on the CBS Morning Show too.
In 2011, Kelly even visited the White House in Washington DC. This happened after First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters had dinner at Kelly's restaurant.
Helping the Community
Kelly Liken cares about helping others. She helped start the Sowing Seeds Program. This program is part of the Vail Valley Youth Foundation. Sowing Seeds teaches kids about how food grows. It also teaches them about eating healthy. The program has a greenhouse at Brush Creek Elementary School. Students there can plant and take care of their own gardens.
Kelly and her former restaurant also supported the Vail Jazz Foundation. They hosted events to help this foundation throughout the year.
Awards and Recognition
Kelly Liken has won many awards for her amazing cooking. Here are some of them:
- Wine Spectator Award of Excellence: She won this award from 2005 to 2012.
- AAA 4-Diamond Award: Her Restaurant Kelly Liken received this award from 2006 to 2012.
- James Beard Award Semi-Finalist: She was a semi-finalist for "Best Chef Southwest" in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
- Taste of Vail Bar Chef Mix-Off Winner: She won this competition in 2007 and 2008.
- Taste of Vail Lamb Cook-Off Winner: She won this cooking contest in 2010 and 2011.
