CHEF
Sarah Stegner
Sarah Stegner is the co-owner & chef of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook Illinois. She is the former restaurant chef of The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton Chicago, owned and operated by Four Seasons. She is a two-time James Beard Award Winner and was recently named Restaurateur of the Year by the Illinois Restaurant Association. Stegner is a founding member- past president of Green City Market (501c3) and continues to drive education surrounding the organic sustainable food movement into the mainstream. Stegner is a founding member of The Abundance Setting, (501c3) that supports working women & mothers in the culinary industry. Stegner is a co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook (501c). She is a member of the Chef Corp for WCKITCHEN. She also acts as an advisor to Chef Sebastian White of The Evolved Network. She recently won an award from Disability Matters North America for the Sensory Friendly Hours hosted at Prairie Grass Cafe. She is currenty cohosting Better Dialogues, a webinar, with Local Food forums.
CHEF
George Bumbaris
In 1983 George Bumbaris began a 21-year journey at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago. He was named executive chef of the hotel in 1991. Bumbaris has won several important culinary awards – he won first place in the United States going on to represent the US in the 26th Prix Culinaire International Pierre Taittinger in 1992, and also took first place in The Bocuse D'or American Culinary Gold Cup in 1990 going on to compete in Lyon.
In 2004, George joined Sarah Stegner, his long-time colleague at the Ritz-Carlton, in opening Prairie Grass Cafe. Together they have built a large following of enthusiasts who enjoy their casual American fare which is prepared using the fine French techniques for which they became well known.The duo’s work has been featured in such publications including the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Food and Wine and Condé Nast Traveler.
Director of Operations - Sommelier
Pierre Lasserre
Pierre was born and raised in Auch, a small town in the south of France, famous for being the birthplace of the legendary D'Artagnan and Three Musketeers.
Pierre worked as a Matre D’hôtel for 3 Michelin Stars restaurant Michel Guerard in Eugenie Les Bains prior to his move to Chicago in 1989 and joining the opening team at The Four Seasons Hotel.
After a long career with Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Pierre is thrilled to join Prairie Grass Cafe, going back to his lifelong passion for providing great service and amazing food and wine experiences.
Restaurant Manager
Joon Ha
Joon Ha joined the Prairie Grass Cafe team in September of 2021 as a server and quickly progressed into a management role. He strives for excellence and values fair, equitable, and inclusive leadership. With his background of working in restaurants and coffee shops, Joon is equipped to manage the Prairie Grass Cafe staff with finesse and tact. He is active in growing our loyal customer base and creating a positive engaged community.
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The Dining Table podcast: The groundbreaking Chicago chef you hardly know
April 21, 2024
By some accounts, chef Sarah Stegner is one of Chicago’s most unheralded culinary creators and… Read moreRead moreThe Dining Table podcast: The groundbreaking Chicago chef you hardly know
PGC
April 21, 2024
Foodie Friday: Meet Prairie Grass Cafe owner Sarah Stegner
March 19, 2024
CHICAGO (CBS) — Sarah Stegner is a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, a restauranteur, a philanthropist,… Read moreRead moreFoodie Friday: Meet Prairie Grass Cafe owner Sarah Stegner
PGC
March 19, 2024
Community Fridge Gives Back in Evanston
March 8, 2024
Chicago’s top chefs are teaming up to help the less fortunate by providing food for… Read moreRead moreCommunity Fridge Gives Back in Evanston
PGC
March 8, 2024
Read the news of our restaurant, recipes for delicious fears, tips for your home kitchen in our blog!
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