Walter's, Portland

Chef Jeff Buerhaus draws his culinary inspiration from all over the world, emboldened by the signature flavors of Asia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. A native of Auburn, Maine, Buerhaus grew up in a home with a bustling kitchen. His mother, an avid cook who grew many of her own ingredients and created signature family recipes, made cooking a festive family affair, and early on, Buerhaus was intrigued by the process and the promise inherent in creativity. Inspired to attend culinary school, Buerhaus headed south to the Florida Culinary Institute, broadening his frame of reference and fostering his passion for discovery.