EXECUTIVE CHEF JOHN
“The uniqueness of my culinary offerings is shaped by the fertile Northwest land and sea that braised and flavored my childhood,” says Meridian Chef John Nelson. Prior to joining us at Meridian Restaurant & Bar, John was Executive Chef and Instructor at the Cascade Culinary Institute; was on the founding team of Oregon’s Brasada Ranch; was a cookbook author, and a consultant and TV show host. John is a Northwestern food and beverage professional and personality par excellence.
John was born and raised in Astoria and is of Swedish and Scandinavian ancestry. “Since much of my family worked in the commercial fishing industry, I’d roam the docks and would often find myself on the log ships from the Far East eating with the crew members and the captain. In addition my backyard was filled with opportunities to hunt, fish, trap and forage. My cooking still reflects those experiences.” John’s wish is that every guest who dines at Meridian feels a sense of true Northwestern heritage.