We recently had the opportunity to sell Catahoula Restaurant and Saloon in Calistoga, a successful operation created and ran for close to 10 years by Jan Birnbaum who has decided to pursue new challenging opportunities.
As a chef and restaurateur Jan Birnbaum’s name has become synonymous with integrity. He has been known as “the hardest working man in show business.” Catahoula was Jan’s first venture since his Executive Chef position at the well known Campton Place Hotel in San Francisco. The Proprietor and Chef, Jan demonstrated his all-around talent creating a place that people have come to know as a serious food and wine lovers destination. Jan also is a partner in the successful Sazerac Restaurant in Seattle, Washington with the Kimpton Group Hotels where once again Jan displays his deft ability at developing appealing menus and shows versatility in his incredible use of seafood and the abundance of the Northwest.
Jan started as a baker in New Orleans and 6 years later worked as a lead cook. His colorful career includes cooking with Chef Paul Prudhomme in 46 cities in 38 days during a book tour, becoming the Chef d Cuisine of the Quilted Giraffe in New York City, working at the Rattlesnake Club in Denver, Colorado and Michael’s in Santa Monica, CA.
One of Jan’s accomplishments was recognition in Food and Wine Magazine’s “Top 25 Restaurants in America” and their DiRona award for distinguished restaurants in North America as Executive Chef at Campton Place Hotel. It was a pleasure working with Jan and we wish him continued success in all of his endeavors.