About Chef Kristen Kish
Born in South Korea and adopted into a family in Kentwood, MI, Kristen Kish showed an affinity for cooking at a young age. At six years old, Kristen became an avid fan of the cooking show Great Chefs of the World on the Discovery channel, feeling connected to the chefs and inspired by the passion they showed for cooking. After high school, Kristen originally attended college with the intent of studying International Business but soon realized that the subject matter was not reflective of her true passions. Upon her mother’s suggestion, Kristen applied to Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago and after graduating in 2006, Kristen never looked back.
Before joining the Stir team in 2011, Kristen worked in numerous restaurants including Michelin-star chef Guy Martin’s Sensing in Boston. Working under Guy Martin and then Barbara Lynch, Kristen found two incredible mentors who have both inspired her in countless ways while the high energy, quick pace, and creativity found working in restaurants, as well as the camaraderie shared between those within the industry, has proven to be endlessly fulfilling and motivating.
In Fall 2012, Kristen was promoted to Chef de Cuisine of Stir where she oversaw all back of house operations, including the design and execution of nightly menus and demonstration dinners for 10 guests. In 2012/2013 Kristen competed on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 10: Seattle where she won the coveted title of Top Chef, becoming the second female chef to win the prestigious competition. In June 2013, Kristen became the chef de cuisine of Menton, Chef Barbara Lynch’s fine dining restaurant in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood and the city’s only Relais & Chateaux property. In this role she is responsible for all back of house operations for Menton and works closely with Chef Barbara Lynch.
