Jonathan Silveira is a first generation American drawing on his father's Portuguese food traditions and his mother's Dutch Indonesian palette. His culinary vision has matured into appreciating “fine food” rather than just “fine dining.”
After Jonathan completed a culinary school program in Austin, Texas, he established a love for Italian cuisine and seafood under Food and Wine Best New Chef Will Packwood. The straightforward style of showcasing seasonal ingredients started to shape his cooking.
Relocating to Seattle in 2007, Jonathan was struck by the abundance of fresh produce and seafood. Cooking and eating became a lifestyle. Foraging for wild mushrooms, fishing, and collecting shellfish became inspirational.
Fermentation took Jonathan to Red Table Meat Company where owner Mike Philips instilled traditions of Italian pig butchery and salumi making. Working closely with the farmers raising heritage breeds, he learned the direct impact of proper animal husbandry on meat quality. These old world techniques became an important influence and a catalyst for creating meaningful modern food.
Working closely with James Beard Finalists, Jamie Malone and Erik Anderson, Jonathan spent several years developing a robust french influenced baking program in which he focused on naturally leavened breads, laminated pastries and patisserie.
To deepen his knowledge, Jonathan accepted a position with Baker’s Field Flour and Bread under James Beard Semi-Finalist, Steve Horton. Here, he learned to use a New American Stone Mill to produce nutritious breads made from whole grain flours and baked in a wood-fired oven. Locally sourcing and milling grain created quality and flavor, while putting the control in the hands of the baker.
Determined to take on San Francisco and fulfill a dream, Jonathan arranged stages at leading bakeries including Arsicault, Rosalind Bakery, and Tartine. It was an opportunity to rub elbows with industry leaders and see first hand, techniques and skills that influenced his baking.
Beyond his culinary pursuits, he finds balance in activities such as chess and hunting down rare cigars, as well as cherishing precious moments with his wife and daughter.