Spike Mendelsohn facts for kids
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| Born | Evangelos Spiros Mendelsohn 15 December 1980 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
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| Education | Culinary Institute of America |
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Current restaurant(s)
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Previous restaurant(s)
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Spike Mendelsohn, born Evangelos Spiros Mendelsohn on December 15, 1980, is a famous chef and restaurant owner. He lives in Washington, D.C.. Many people know him from the TV show Top Chef, where he finished fifth in the fourth season.
Spike owns several popular restaurants. These include Good Stuff Eatery, Santa Rosa Taqueria, and We, The Pizza in Washington, D.C. In 2017, he opened Santa Rosa Taqueria. Later, in 2019, he started PLNT Burger. This is a vegan restaurant that serves plant-based burgers, located inside Whole Foods Market in Silver Spring, Maryland.
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Early Life and Culinary Training
Spike Mendelsohn was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His mother is Greek and his father is Jewish. When Spike was 13 years old in 1993, his family moved to Seville, Spain. They lived there for three and a half years. During this time, he went to school in Marbella, Spain.
Later, his family moved to Clearwater Beach, Florida. They owned a restaurant called Pepin in St. Petersburg, Florida. Spike worked there as a busboy, dishwasher, and even helped cook when needed. The family sold the restaurant in 2004.
In 2005, Spike graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. While studying there, he became friends with American Chef Marcel Vigneron. Spike has worked for many famous chefs. These include Gerard Boyer in Reims, France, and Thomas Keller at The French Laundry. He also worked at Bouchon in Napa Valley, California.
Spike's family has been in the restaurant business for a very long time. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all involved. In 2008, Spike's family started the Sunnyside Restaurant Group. This group owns Good Stuff Eatery, We, The Pizza, and Santa Rosa Taqueria.
Spike on Television
Spike Mendelsohn first appeared on TV on Bravo TV’s show Top Chef: Chicago. He was also on other TV shows. These include Bravo TV’s Life After Top Chef and Top Chef: All Stars.
He also appeared on Food Network’s Iron Chef America and Spike TV’s Bar Rescue. In 2010, Cosmopolitan Magazine featured Spike. He shared his top five dating tips in the article.
In the summer of 2011, Spike was a regular guest on CBS' The Early Show. He was chosen to compete in Food Network’s Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs in 2011. He was also asked back for Next Iron Chef: Redemption in 2012. You might have also seen him on Good Morning America and The View. He also appeared on Rachael Ray and VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live. In February 2014, Spike was a guest on The Queen Latifah Show.
The Prez Obama Burger
In 2009, Spike Mendelsohn created a special burger. He called it the "Prez Obama Burger." He made it to honor President Barack Obama's first inauguration celebration.
In March 2011, President Obama visited Spike's restaurant, Good Stuff Eatery. He brought five members of his staff for lunch. This group included important people like Office of Management and Budget Director Jack Lew.
After the Prez Obama Burger, Spike added another special item. He created the "Michelle Melt" for the Good Stuff Eatery menu. He worked with White House chef Sam Kass on this. It was made to honor First Lady Michelle Obama because she often visited the restaurant.
Community Work
Spike Mendelsohn has been a leader in his community. Since February 2015, he has been the chair of the "D.C. Food Policy Council." Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed him to this role.
He also works with a nonprofit group called DC Central Kitchen. Spike has also been a Chef Ambassador for the CARE International Chefs' Table Program. This shows his dedication to helping others through food.
Personal Life and Projects
In March 2011, Spike Mendelsohn started a special project. He teamed up with the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. They launched a lunchtime kosher food truck. This idea came about because there were not many kosher delis in Washington, D.C. The food truck served traditional Jewish foods. These included corned beef sandwiches and knishes.
In February 2013, Spike hosted a fun event. It was a celebrity chef beach volleyball tournament. This event was part of the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival. This festival is a big event that shows off many top chefs and food experts.
In 2013, Spike supported Michelle Obama's Let's Move! program. This program encouraged kids to be active and eat healthy. He helped by featuring a White House Easter Egg Roll event.
In 2019, Spike opened PLNT Burger. This is a vegan restaurant that serves Beyond Meat burgers. It is located inside Whole Foods Market in Silver Spring, Maryland. In November 2020, PLNT Burger announced plans to open many more locations in 2021.
