Chef Andrew O

Chef Andrew grew up in the picturesque mountain town of Sun Valley, Idaho, where home-cooked meals and outdoor adventures shaped his love for food.

Cooking was a family affair, and he spent countless hours in the kitchen with his mom, learning the magic of homemade meals. But his most memorable culinary lesson? A camping trip in the Rocky Mountains with his grandpa, where he mastered the art of Sheepherder Potatoes—though he humbly admits his version will never quite match Grandpa’s.

Determined to turn his passion into a career, Andrew took a leap of faith and enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. From there, he sharpened his skills in professional kitchens, including Halifax Hoboken, where he worked alongside talented chefs.

His favorite part of cooking? The moment when all the planning, prepping, and juggling come together in a perfect dish—especially when it’s a labor of love, like a slow-simmered chili or fall-off-the-bone short ribs.

For Andrew, food isn’t just about flavor—it’s about experience. He loves dishes that take time, the ones that fill a home with mouthwatering aromas all day long. His most rewarding moments come when people take that first bite and exclaim, “Wow, this is actually pretty good!”—a reaction he still laughs about from a Christmas dinner where his family finally realized culinary school was worth it.

When he’s not in the kitchen, Andrew is most likely hitting the slopes, perfecting his golf swing, or exploring new restaurants. He shares his home in New Jersey with two feline companions—Jasper, a wise and fluffy elder, and Jinx, a chaotic kitten. But no matter how far he ventures, he stays true to his roots: “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”

Next on his bucket list? Traveling to Italy and Japan to dive into their rich culinary traditions. But until then, you can find him right where he belongs—crafting unforgettable meals, one perfect bite at a time.