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Chef de Cuisine

Sam Smithson

Chicago, IL

Chef Sam’s culinary journey began when his family of growers and academics sparked his curiosity about how food is cultivated and why it behaves the way it does. That curiosity grew into a passion for both cooking and food science, eventually leading him to the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and into the kitchens of the Boka Restaurant Group, where he trained across eight restaurants over two summers. After earning his degree, he joined the Girl & Goat Group and spent four years working in all four of its locations before moving into Chicago’s independent restaurant scene, contributing to Lao Peng You; Table, Donkey, and Stick; and helping launch the kitchen at 1308 Chicago. In 2019, he founded CultureBox, a fermentation company dedicated to monthly locally sourced subscription boxes, reducing food waste with small and mid-size farmers, and teaching home fermentation practices.

Professional Background

B.S. in Food Science - Hospitality Management, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
12 years
Cooking with fermented products, Bachelor + Bachelorette Parties, Family Vacation Meal Prep, Fermentation Consultation, Workshops
Bib Gourmand as Sous Chef of 1308 Chicago
ServSafe Manager Certified
Food Allergen Safety Certified
Founder of CultureBox
Healthy Meal Prep, Private Events, Consulting
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Fun Facts

Meet Sam Smithson

Where are you from?
I was born in Oklahoma City, but grew up between Michigan, Connecticut, and the north suburbs of Illinois.
What's your favorite thing to cook for yourself?
I love to make soup of all types, but I'm currently obsessed with beef udon!
Why did you want to be a chef?
I have a very food-oriented and science-minded family that got me naturally curious about growing food and cooking from a young age. Taking that science and turning it into art and sustenance feels like magic to me, even to this day.
If you're not in the kitchen - what are some of your hobbies & interests?
I play bocce a few times a week and love to play softball when the weather is nice. I also love travelling the world with my beautiful fiancee, especially visiting her family in Croatia.