Gregory Gourdet: From Addiction to Three-Time James Beard Award Winner

Gregory Gourdet won big at the James Beard Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024. There was a time when Gregory left rehab in the middle and went back to work. 

The James Beard Awards (JBA) took place on Sunday, June 10, 2024. The award ceremony recognized some exceptional talents in cooking, including Portland’s Gregory Gourdet. This is the third time Gregory has been awarded by the JBA; he previously won in 2022 and 2023.

At the 33rd annual James Beard Awards (JBA), Gregory Gourdet received the “Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific” award. A total of six Oregon restaurants and chefs were finalists for awards this year.

Awards List

In addition to this year’s Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific award, Gourdet also has some other achievements under his belt.

• In 2012 and 2014, he was named Hottest Chef of the Year by Eater Portland.
• In 2013, Gourdet received the Chef of the Year award by the, ODA, Oregon Department of Agriculture.
• In 2016, Gourdet was awarded the CODA’s 2016 Advocacy Award.
• He is a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist and was nominated as a finalist in 2020 in the category of “Best Chef Northwest and Pacific.”
• His book, “Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health,” won his first JBA award in 2022, receiving the “James Beard Media Award for Best General Cookbook.”
• In 2023, Gourdet’s restaurant Kann received the James Beard “Best New Restaurant” award.

Things You Must Know About Gregory Gourdet 

1. Culinary Expertise:
   • Trained under chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Gourdet worked at top restaurants and became a chef de cuisine.
2. Cultural Influence:
   • Owner of Kann in Portland, which showcases his Haitian heritage and Caribbean flavors.
3. Television Fame:
   • Finalist on “Top Chef” Seasons 12 and 17, gaining national recognition.
4. Personal Life and Sobriety:
   • Overcame addiction to cocaine and alcohol, sober since 2007.
5. Fitness and Advocacy:
   • Avid long-distance runner and openly gay, advocating for healthy living and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

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