Featured Chef: Alex Roberts
August 19, 2014Alexander Roberts – Restaurant Alma – Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Our restaurants are dedicated to great sourcing and we know that we can always count on Niman Ranch Pork for exceptional products…. Not only for wonderful flavor and texture, but for the value that comes with Niman’s high standards of animal welfare and land stewardship.”
Alex Roberts was born in Buffalo, New York but raised in the Twin Cities from a young age. He found his way back to New York when attending the French Culinary Institute and went on to gain experience working in several renowned restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, Bouley and Union Square Café.
An intensive period of food- and wine-related travel in Northern Italy followed his stay in New York before returning to the Twin Cities in 1999. He soon opened Restaurant Alma, a casual-fine dining restaurant dedicated to a changing menu of seasonal cooking, featuring organic and locally produced foods. In 2007 he opened a second restaurant concept in Minneapolis, Brasa Rotisserie, with a St. Paul location following in 2009.
Both Restaurant Alma and Brasa Rotisserie have been recognized locally and nationally. In 2010, Alex received the James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest. The restaurants have been featured in wide range of publications and television including: Art Culinaire, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Man vs. Food, The Today Show and Washington Post.
As a chef / owner of three restaurants, Alex continues to advance his commitment to creating a model of restaurant success and value by demonstrating excellence and sustainable practices in food, hospitality, job quality and service to community. We’re proud to have him featured at Niman Ranch’s 16th Annual Hog Farmer Appreciation Dinner!
