Matthew Lightner facts for kids
| Born | 1980 Norfolk, Nebraska |
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| Cooking style | Contemporary American |
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Matthew Lightner is a very talented chef from the United States. He is known for his creative cooking style. He used to be the main chef at a famous restaurant in New York City called Atera. This restaurant earned two special awards called Michelin stars, which are like gold medals for restaurants! In 2010, a magazine named Food & Wine called him one of the "Best New Chefs in America."
About Chef Matthew Lightner
Matthew Lightner was born in Norfolk, Nebraska in 1980. He grew up with a passion for cooking. He later went to a special cooking school.
His Culinary Training
In 2001, Matthew Lightner finished his studies at the Western Culinary Institute in Portland. He graduated with very high marks. After school, he traveled to train at some of the world's best restaurants.
He trained at Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark. Noma is famous for its unique way of cooking. He also trained at Mugaritz in Spain. These experiences helped him learn new techniques. He learned how to use fresh, local ingredients in exciting ways.
Working at Top Restaurants
After training in Europe, Lightner returned to the U.S. In 2009, he started working at a restaurant called Castagna in Portland, Oregon. He later became the executive chef at Atera in New York City. Atera was known for its tasting menus. These menus offered many small, creative dishes.
In 2018, he moved back to Portland, Oregon. He continued to work on new food ideas.
Opening ōkta
In July 2022, Matthew Lightner opened his own restaurant called ōkta. It is located in McMinnville, Oregon. This restaurant focuses on using ingredients from the local area. It offers a special dining experience.
