A Santa Fe chef has been chosen to represent the city in a national competition of rising restaurant industry stars.
Kathleen Crook of Market Steer Steakhouse has been included in the TasteTwenty list of chefs who will compete in the national Taste America series by the James Beard Foundation, the organization announced Monday in a news release.
The chefs chosen to participate in the series are selected for their culinary talent as well as their contributions beyond the kitchen, according to the release, including their efforts to support sustainable agriculture and advocate for a resilient food system.
The Taste America series will begin July 29 in Los Angeles with an event featuring all 20 chefs on the TasteTwenty list in a walk-around event with multiple food and beverage stations. The series will continue across the country through March 2026, the news release states.
The Santa Fe event is planned for Nov. 12 at Market Steer Steakhouse, 213 Washington Ave. That event will feature Crook and guest chef Allison Jenkins of Santa Fe’s Arroyo Vino.
“These chefs represent the future of American dining — combining culinary excellence with positive leadership that drives our industry forward,” Clare Reichenbach, the foundation’s CEO, said in a statement. “Their dedication to craft and community inspires us, and we're honored to showcase their talents on a national stage, beginning with our exciting Los Angeles kickoff event."
According to the Market Steer Steakhouse website, Crook is an Artesia native who grew up helping her grandmother with her catering business. Later, Crook became a world champion roper on the rodeo circuit before turning her attention to a culinary career, honing her skills at several highly regarded restaurants in Dallas and Aspen, Colo. She returned to New Mexico in 2018 as the owner and executive chef of Market Steer.
More information about the Taste America series and the TasteTwenty chefs can be found at jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
