Strong roots and big ideas

Brian Gerritsen ignited his passion for cooking after his first restaurant job in his mid 20s. He spent the next 10 years training with top chefs in Boston, LA and Napa then led the kitchen at Applewood Inn & Restaurant (now The Stavrand) in Sonoma County, where farm-to-table meant pulling from the property’s 2-acre garden and orchard moments before dinner service.

Despite hanging up his toque in 2005, his love for food, cooking and sharing remained strong. The comfort of the stove or grill each night was just the right antidote to the pressures of his corporate insurance job, which still occupies his 9 to 5.

Now 20 years later, his desire to connect with his roots inspired him to create ChefAgain, a platform for individuals to reconnect with (or reignite!) their culinary passion, share experiences and ideas, and foster a community centered around food accessibility for all.

Are you a ChefAgain?