Patrick O'Connell (chef) facts for kids
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O'Connell at the 2015 National Book Festival
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| Born | October 9, 1945 Washington, DC, U.S. |
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| Cooking style | Refined American Cuisine |
| Education | Catholic University of America George Washington University |
| Spouse | Reinhardt Lynch (former) |
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Current restaurant(s)
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Patrick O'Connell is a famous American chef. He was born on October 9, 1945. He owns a special country inn and restaurant. It's called the Inn at Little Washington. You can find it in Washington, Virginia.
Contents
Patrick O'Connell's Story
Growing Up and Learning
Patrick O'Connell was born in Washington, D.C.. He grew up nearby in Clinton, Maryland. He didn't go to a special cooking school. Instead, he learned by working in a local restaurant. He started there after school.
He also went to college. He studied drama at Catholic University of America. He also took classes at George Washington University.
The Inn at Little Washington
Patrick O'Connell and his former business partner, Reinhardt Lynch, started a catering business. This was in 1972. They worked in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1978, they opened The Inn at Little Washington. It was in an old gas station.
Opening Day
The restaurant first opened for friends. This was on January 28, 1978. Then, it officially opened to everyone. That was on February 1, 1978.
Just three weeks later, a food critic visited. His name was John Rosson. He wrote for The Washington Star. In April 1978, his article came out. He said The Inn at Little Washington was "the best restaurant within 150 miles of Washington D.C."
Awards and Fame
The Inn has won many awards. It received the Mobil Travel Guide's Five-Star Award. It won this for its restaurant and rooms for 14 years. In 2018, it got a three-star rating. This was from the famous Michelin Guide.
The International Herald Tribune said it was one of the Top Ten Best Restaurants in the World. The Zagat Survey for Washington, D.C., rated it number one. It held this spot in all categories for 14 years.
Special Awards for Chef O'Connell
Patrick O'Connell is very respected. He was one of the first American chefs asked to join Relais & Chateaux. This is a group of top hotels and restaurants. He is known as one of their "Grands Chefs." People have even called him "The Pope of American Cuisine."
He has won many important awards. In 2001, he was named Outstanding Chef in America. In 1993, he was Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic region. Both awards came from the James Beard Foundation. In 2019, he received their Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is also a member of the American Culinary Federation. He was added to their Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2019, Patrick O'Connell received the National Humanities Medal. This award honors people who have helped improve our understanding of culture.
