Chef Renee H

Chef Renee’s culinary journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the joy of bringing people together over a meal.

Born and raised in Germantown, MD—a vibrant suburb of the DC metro area—Renee found her way into the kitchen as a self-taught necessity, spurred on by her Lyme disease diagnosis and a deep curiosity about how food fuels the body.

Her exploration blossomed in her early 20s, culminating in formal training at L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, MD. From there, she leapt into professional kitchens, starting as an apprentice at Birroteca Baltimore and eventually becoming Sous Chef at La Food Marketa, where she guided the restaurant through the challenges of the pandemic.

Renee’s culinary style is rooted in comfort and seasonality. She loves cooking heavier dishes like braised short ribs and cheesy polenta during her favorite seasons, autumn and winter, and adores crafting soups—lots and lots of soups. Her plate reflects her eclectic palate, inspired by Southern, Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines, with a love for trying anything new on the menu.

Her kitchen philosophy is simple but profound: “Food is the only art we use all of our senses for,” she says. From the rhythmic chopping of mise en place to the satisfying sizzle of a pan, Renee treasures every step of the process. And when she’s not in the kitchen, you can find her spending time with her husband, young child, and their pets—Joan Baez, a 13-year-old Catahoula hound mix, and Tig Nataro, a sassy tortoiseshell cat.

With career highlights that include working with Chopped winner Chef Johntay Bedingfield, serving Chef Robert Irvine, and five years with The Food Market family, Renee brings a wealth of experience and creativity to every dish. Whether she's turning out rustic comfort food or inventing whimsical desserts, one thing remains constant: her dedication to fostering joy, connection, and delicious memories through food.

“Number one rule in the kitchen: Don’t freak out.” With Chef Renee at the helm, you can trust that every plate—and every moment—is crafted with care and calm.