Meet Chef Joe, founder of Cedar & Salt
Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Chef Joe started his academic career by attending Michigan State University where he studied Food Industry Management within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
After working as a corporate retail sales representative for Kraft Foods, Inc., he left the Midwest to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in Denver, CO.
Since graduating in 2012, Chef Joe has worked at some of Denver’s most accoladed restaurants including Spuntino, and most notably, beast + bottle (5280 Magazine's Top 25 Restaurants, 2012-2019).
Chef Joe has pursued other endeavors in the culinary industry including recipe and menu publishing and restaurant consulting, but the bulk of his career lies within the domestic division, working as a private chef and estate manager. His career as a private chef has allowed him to work with clients across the country from Florida to Montana, including those at Sailfish Point and The Yellowstone Club.
Now a private chef in the Roaring Fork Valley, Chef Joe continues his pursuit to create memorable dining experiences to the Aspen, Colorado area through exceptional service and extraordinary cuisine – as Cedar & Salt.
Chef Joe has worked at some of Denver’s most accoladed restaurants including Spuntino, and most notably, beast + bottle (5280 Magazine's Top 25 Restaurants, 2012-2019)
Philosophy
There is a beautiful power within food – a power that is deep-rooted in our culture and our spirit. I adhere to and respect this power with my approach to cooking. This approach embodies the importance of environmentally-mindful sourcing, responsible local farming, ranching, and harvesting practices, and the use of simple organic, ingredients that not only nourish the body, but the mind and the soul.
Of all the powers that food possesses, I feel the greatest power food is its ability to communicate. To me, food is like math – it is a universal language we all understand, regardless of our differences . It is a language that, within our own cultures, is used as a means to connect, understand, and express. It is what promotes togetherness, unity, and love in this world, and it is my continuous pursuit to nurture this ideal through culinary artistry.
Youthentity
Youthentity is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth for successful futures through financial education and career readiness, including pathways within the hospitality industry. Through hands-on programs, Youthentity helps young people explore essential real-world skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, timeliness, and presentation. The organization believes career exploration should begin early, building a strong foundation that supports lifelong success across any profession.
Highwater Farm
Highwater Farm is a half-acre vegetable farm located within the Silt River Preserve, focused on sustainable agriculture and community impact. Highwater’s mission is to transform the lives of young people while increasing access to healthy, locally grown food in Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley. By farming responsibly and regeneratively, Highwater protects the environment while producing nutrient-dense food that nourishes both people and place.
Farm to School
Gallatin Valley Farm to School connects children and families with local food through gardens, classrooms, cafeterias, and the broader community. The program envisions a future where students in the Gallatin Valley grow, prepare, and enjoy healthy food while understanding where it comes from. Through integrated food education and improved access in schools, the program fosters lifelong appreciation for local agriculture and healthy eating.
Driven by Passion
In addition to his Aspen-based private chef business, Chef Joe is also the Lead Chef Instructor at Youthentity and oversees the organization's Hospitality Program.
Youthentity, a non-profit organization, prides itself on upholding its mission to prepare our community's youth for professional readiness and career development. Chef Joe works diligently with his students teaching and implementing the fundamentals of culinary arts and hospitality management.
Chef Joe is a Certified ServSafe Food Manager. ServSafe is an educational program developed by the National Restaurant Association to promote health, safety, and sanitation within all areas of the hospitality industry, with a particular focus in restaurants and commercial kitchens.
Elevate your next gathering experience in Aspen . . .
Elevate your next gathering experience in Aspen . . .
Ready to transform your dining experience? Whether it's an intimate family dinner or a small gathering with friends, Chef Joe is here to create an unforgettable culinary journey tailored just for you. Let’s make your next meal a cherished memory.