Chef Bios: Jason Stratton

Chef Jason Stratton is one of Seattle's up and coming new chefs and was named one of the best new chefs by Food & Wine Magazine in 2010.

Stratton was born in 1979 and grew up in Seattle without a lot of money. Despite their financial issues, his mother always tried to feed them well and this has helped form Stratton's passion for feeding others. Between years 2002 to 2007, Stratton worked under Holly Smith of Café Juanita, who is now one of his biggest influences. During his time at Café Juanita, Stratton had the opportunity to travel to Europe where he explored the cuisine in France, Spain, and Italy. In 2008, Stratton went on a 6-month sabbatical and returned to Spain. When he came back to the States, Stratton was hired as co-chef at Chef Jerry Traunfeld's restaurant, Poppy.

In 2009, Stratton was given the lead kitchen position at Spinasse, where he has continued to receive accolades for his talents.

QUICKFACTS:
Culinary Style: Piedmont
Restaurants: Spinasse
Born: 1979

DID YOU KNOW?
Stratton's first restaurant job was as a dishwasher at Le Gourmand in high school.