Chef Debbie Gold

Debbie Gold developed an early passion for food and cooking. While still in high school, she began subscribing to Bon Appetit magazine, making impressive meals for her family. This love of cooking continued into college where she studied restaurant management in her native state at the University of Illinois.

After graduation, Debbie traveled to France where she was an apprentice for two years at several Michelin-starred French restaurants. Upon returning to Chicago, she got a job at the world-reknowned Charlie Trotter's, working her way up in the restaurant. In 1989, Debbie went back to France, helping run the restaurant of a good friend at L'Albion in Nice for two years. After moving back to Chicago in 1991, Debbie worked at Everest as a pastry chef and Mirador as executive chef.

When she and then partner Michael Smith heard that The American Restaurant in Kansas City was looking for a new chef, they decided to apply together, knowing they thrived as partners in the kitchen. Beginning there in 1994, the duo quickly breathed new life into both the menu and the image of the 25-year-old restaurant. Their fresh, simple, unfussy American fare, supported by the foundation of their extensive French training, won the respect and loyalty of local diners. In 1999, they were given the James Beard Award for Best Chefs in the Midwest – a first for both them and for Kansas City.

In 2002, Michael and Debbie opened 40 Sardines in Overland Park, Kansas. The restaurant offered fresh, straightforward flavors from around the world. The setting, like the food, was welcoming, warm and comfortable. In 2008, Debbie returned to The American Restaurant as their Executive Chef.

Debbie continues to be active in the culinary community. She helped establish a series of annual James Beard Foundation fundraising dinners as well as developed local seminars and special events featuring famous chefs from across the country. Her menu for the Crayola Cafe, a well-known children's restaurant in Kansas City, was named the Number One Kids' Menu in America by Restaurant Hospitality, and she continues to be among the nation's most recognized and respected chefs.