Meet your chef
Sam Bretz
My Culinary Journey
Growing up in Billings, Montana
I grew up in Billings, MT, where my passion for cooking began with working at my parents’ cookie store, Eileen’s Colossal Cookies. My first restaurant job was at Ciao Mambo where I started in the dish pit and worked up to the salad, pizza, and sauté stations.
Culinary school in Kalispell, Montana
After graduating high school, I attended the Culinary Institute of Montana where I was trained in traditional French cooking. I worked at various restaurants including private chef work throughout the Flathead Valley.
Off to Alaska
Following culinary school, I worked at a fishing lodge in Alaska for the summer, cooking for all of the guests and staff on the island. It was an incredible experience filled with natural beauty and delicious sea food.
Seeking mentorship in Portland, Oregon
I then moved to Portland for its renowned food scene with the goal of finding a mentor. I got my first taste of high-end fine dining, working under Chef Sarah Schafer at Irving Street Kitchen. Under her mentorship, I learned numerous culinary techniques, working with unique ingredients, and upholding a high level of discipline.
On the Oregon Coast
I then moved to the Oregon coast to work at Restaurant Beck and learn under Chef Justin Wills — 2x James Beard award semi-finalist. The environment of open creativity allowed me to flourish: developing the menu, sourcing unique ingredients, building relationships with purveyors, foraging for wild plants and fungi, working with local culinary schools, and mentoring other chefs.
In the culinary capital, Copenhagen, Denmark
To cap off the formative time of my culinary journey, I traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark — a top food destination full of world-renowned, innovative restaurants. I spent my time there working 80-hour weeks at the Michelin-starred Kokkeriet with chefs from around the world.
The Next Chapter
I am back in Billings excited to share my passion for food with my home community. I strive to incorporate my culinary experiences from around the world into a dinner designed to showcase the food and culture of Montana.
