A Michelin-starred chef before the age of 30, Christopher Kostow takes a thoughtful approach to food, drawing upon his own American upbringing and the bounty of the surrounding environments. Christopher has created extraordinary experiences for guests at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak, Ensue, Loveski, and Ciccio.

Christopher, a Chicago native, trained in kitchens far and wide: from a Paris bistro to the Michelin-starred Le Jardin des Sens in Montpellier. Upon his return to the United States, Christopher worked as sous chef under Daniel Humm in San Francisco at Campton Place. Shortly thereafter, he became Chef at Chez TJ in Mountain View, Calif., garnering the restaurant many accolades including two Michelin stars. 

Upon arriving in the Napa Valley at Meadowood Estate in 2008, Christopher maintained two Michelin stars, and was named as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chefs 2009. In 2010, Christopher earned a rare four stars from the San Francisco Chronicle and shortly thereafter was awarded the highest ranking of three Michelin stars from the esteemed 2011 Guide. Christopher and The Restaurant team retained three stars for nine consecutive years. In 2013, Christopher was awarded Best Chef: West by the James Beard Foundation. 

Ten Speed Press published Christopher’s debut book, A New Napa Cuisine, in October of 2014. In March of 2015, his work was awarded “Book of the Year” by the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

In 2017, Christopher opened The Charter Oak alongside his wife and business partner, Martina Kostow, debuting their Team Kostow restaurant projects outside of The Restaurant at Meadowood. Shortly thereafter, in 2019, they opened their first international concept, Ensue, an elevated restaurant found on the top floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in Shenzhen, China. Taking a more casual approach to Christopher’s past projects, and paying homage to his Jewish heritage, Team Kostow opened Loveski Deli in Napa, Calif. and within 18-months expanded to a second location in Larkspur, Calif. Their second international project opened in 2023, with Christopher developing the culinary program for Soho House Mexico City- the first consulting partership between Team Kostow and Soho House. The same year, Team Kostow partnered with local owners to revive a Napa Valley establishment, Ciccio, and now manage the concept as day-to-day operators. 

As Team Kostow grows, Christopher continues to cook food reflective of the Napa Valley that is thoughtful, personal, and in concert with his community and collaborators. Christopher remains the youngest American-born chef and third youngest chef ever to receive three Michelin stars in the history of the guide. Christopher currently lives in Calistoga, Calif., with his wife and business partner Martina and their two daughters Daisy and Lulu.

PARTICIPATING EVENTS:

Christopher Kostow & Friends Lunch

Sunday Grand Tasting at The Farmhouse