Nick Anderer & Natalie Johnson - Leon's
WHO: Nick Anderer is the executive chef of Leon’s; Natalie Johnson is beverage director, both co-owners at Leon’s.
ABOUT: The pair met while working together at Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, Nick as Executive Chef and Managing Partner at both Maialino and Marta, and Natalie as a Sommelier. A native New Yorker, Nick began his culinary career working at The Water Club and Babbo, before spending a year cooking in Rome and Milan. From there, Nick joined the kitchen team of Gramercy Tavern where he served as Sous Chef to Tom Colicchio, and later Executive Sous Chef to Mike Anthony. Overall, Nick spent 15 notable years in leadership across Union Square Hospitality Group restaurants: Gramercy Tavern, Maialino, and Marta.
It was during his time at Gramercy Tavern that Nick’s deep appreciation for seasonal vegetables, and the farmers that grow them, took shape. From there, he went on to open two flagship Italian restaurants — Maialino (2009) and Marta (2014) — serving as executive chef and managing partner for both. Both restaurants separately garnered widespread praise, and each earned two stars from The New York Times under his leadership. In addition to numerous media accolades, Chef Nick is a two-time James Beard Best Chef, New York City semifinalist (2014, 2015), and has appeared as a guest chef and guest judge on various food television shows.
Natalie initially moved to NYC to pursue her love of restaurants as a line cook at Jim Lahey’s Co. in Chelsea. Prior to opening Anton’s, Natalie served as the beverage director of Loring Place, a beloved Greenwich Village restaurant from Chef Dan Kluger. Natalie created the opening wine list and later managed the entire beverage operation for the restaurant, including the full wine and cocktail program. Natalie previously worked in the front-of-house teams in several acclaimed restaurants with celebrated wine programs across the country, including Frasca (Boulder, CO), Sorella (NYC), Otto (NYC), and Marta (NYC). In 2019, Natalie was recognized as a “Rising Star Sommelier” by StarChefs.
WHAT: Prepare to be charmed by the culinary powerhouse couple behind Leon's. Join Executive Chef Nick Anderer, a two-time James Beard Best Chef, New York City semifinalist, and Beverage Director Natalie Johnson, recognized as a rising star sommelier by StarChefs. This dynamic husband-and-wife duo will unlock their cherished family recipes, unveiling Italian dishes infused with tantalizing French and Egyptian accents.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 12, 6PM - 8PM EST
WHERE: De Gustibus Cooking School