ERIC
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Executive Chef Eric Hill was born in nearby Eugene, Oregon. As a boy Eric enjoyed floating on the river, crabbing on the Oregon Coast, and playing basketball with his five older siblings. Eric’s passion for food grew after his first trip to Japan with his soon to be wife Raina to visit her family. They continue to visit Japan whenever possible. Chef Eric says, “The culture of respect and hospitality there is like no other place in the world.” Prior to joining the Meridian team Eric lived in Nashville, Tennessee where he was Executive Chef and Culinary Director for O-Ku restaurants with Indigo Road Hospitality. During his 15 years of experience in fine dining Eric and his teams have logged numerous awards and accolades, including Best in State, Tennessee, 2020-2022, and were voted one of Open Table’s top 100 restaurants in the country. Eric enjoys being dad to his new son Kailo, and his hobbies include basketball, hiking with his wife Raina and their Mini Australian Shepard Autzen, traveling, fly fishing, and anything that has to do with University of Oregon athletics.