To continue diversifying its culinary offerings and bring the best land-based culinary experiences to sea, Holland America Line is adding James Beard Award-winner and acclaimed Seattle restaurateur Edouardo Jordan to its Culinary Council — a collection of varied, internationally renowned chefs who bring global influence to the cruise line’s dining experiences.
Jordan’s “food with roots” approach will be showcased through signature, classic comfort dishes featured on the menus in the Dining Room and at Lido Market onboard Holland America Line‘s fleet. The uniquely American fare will have Jordan’s own twist and style, with more flavorful options including JuneBaby’s macaroni and cheese with Newsom’s ham; collard greens and ham hocks; smothered fried chicken wings; Momma Jordan’s oxtails with mustard greens; chicken jambalaya; and an Alaska seafood gumbo.
“Edouardo will bring his southern swag and gourmet comfort-food experience to Holland America Line, and on top of being a fantastic chef, he’s genuinely a great person who will be a perfect addition to our Culinary Council,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Comfort food dishes are nostalgic and create warm memories and an emotional connection to a meal, and Edouardo will bring our guests familiar favorites, but with flavors that are new and exciting.”
Jordan is the owner of three of Seattle’s hottest restaurants. Salare opened in 2015 and takes influences from France, Italy, the American South and the Caribbean. The restaurant was listed as a Best New Restaurant in America in 2016 by Eater National. In 2017, Jordan opened JuneBaby, focusing on his roots and Southern cuisine. JuneBaby received the prestigious 2018 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant and was listed as a Best New Restaurant in America by Food & Wine magazine the same year. In late 2018 he opened his third restaurant, Lucinda Grain Bar, which focuses on heirloom, ancient and local grains.
Florida-born Jordan graduated from the University of Florida with dual degrees in business administration and sports management. Following his passion for cooking, he then attended the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Orlando, Florida.
Early in his career Jordan’s ambition led him to work at many renowned restaurants including The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California, and Per Se and Lincoln Ristorante in New York. Following a move to Seattle, he worked at Sitka and Spruce before he opened Bar Sajor in 2013 as chef de cuisine. Using that experience, Jordan opened the doors to his first restaurant, Salare, two years later.
Jordan was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2016, was a James Beard Award finalist in 2017 and received the prestigious 2018 James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest. He also was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs in 2016.
The Culinary Council is led by Holland America Line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, who is joined by international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Kristen Kish, Andy Matsuda, Ethan Stowell, Jacques Torres, and now, Edouardo Jordan. Holland America Line also collaborates with wine critic James Suckling to develop its wine lists, and master mixologist Dale DeGroff on its cocktail program.