Monogram Luxury Appliances taps celebrity chef Ed Lee as first Culinary Director
Louisville-based celebrity chef Ed Lee has a new title. On Monday, Monogram Luxury Appliances announced Lee will become the brand's first-ever culinary director.
GE Appliances' Monogram Appliances has been offering unique luxury kitchen solutions for 30 years. Lee, a James Beard Award-winning author and owner of several restaurants including Louisville's 610 Magnolia, will work to build the Monogram Culinary Guidelines and build a council to embody the brand's "vision of prestige, performance and elegance," according to a release.
He will also create original recipes that reflect the desire for healthy and organic ingredients while highlighting the sophisticated capabilities of the appliances. Lee will demonstrate his techniques when he represents Monogram at culinary and industry events throughout the year, and recipes will be posted online for the general public to enjoy.
“We’re embarking on a truly unique partnership rooted in a shared culinary vision, and I’m honored to be on this ride with Monogram — a brand that represents excellence,” Lee said in a news release. “I can’t wait to collaborate with Monogram and work with world class appliances that enable both professional chefs and home cooks to create amazing dishes that delight.”
You may like: Strawberry-picking season is back at this locally owned family farm. Here's what to know
The partnership is an extension of Monogram’s support of the LEE Initiative, an organization co-founded by Lee to bring more diversity and equality to the restaurant industry. In April 2021, Monogram launched its partnership with the LEE Initiative as part of the brand’s commitment to support rising stars in culinary arts.
Lee isn't the only new staff member joining Monogram. Sommelier, wine educator and wine journalist Erik Segelbaum is joining Monogram as Wine Director, and restaurateur Patrick Roney is joining as Executive Chef and Culinary Trainer in the Monogram Experience Center in Louisville.
Segelbaum will create wine education at events and represent the brand at experiences throughout the year. Roney will work alongside longtime Monogram Chef Brian Logsdan to elevate the at-home culinary experience for Monogram audiences. Roney has held leading positions in many respected Louisville dining spots including The Oakroom at the Seelbach Hotel, Harvest and Ashbourne Farms.
More restaurants headlines: Check out the first 10 restaurants in The Courier Journal's Wine & Food Experience
Roney fills the position previously held by the late chef Joe Castro, who served as Culinary Trainer at Monogram from 2007 up until his death last month.
“We are so excited for Chef Lee, Erik Segelbaum and Chef Roney to join the Monogram family and work with us to produce content and launch initiatives that embody culinary elegance under the leadership of Chef Lee,” said Julie Burns, executive director of Monogram in a release. “With their uniquely qualified perspective and expertise, we’re looking forward to them helping further Monogram’s mission to enhance the home culinary experience.”
Features reporter Dahlia Ghabour covers food, dining trends and restaurants in the Louisville area. Send tips on new places or story ideas to dghabour@courier-journal.com or follow on Twitter @dghabour.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Monogram Luxury Appliances taps chef Ed Lee as Culinary Director
