While Chef Nathalie Johnson's career path took her several directions before leading her to the culinary field, the food she prepares takes a distinctly shorter route to her guests' plates. Beginning in the political realm as a domestic policy analyst for Clinton and district co-chair for Senator Paul Wellstone's campaign, Nathalie now co-owns Signature Café and Catering in Minneapolis and intentionally buys as much as possible from local producers.
One such producer is Chet Miller of Pepin Heights Orchard. A lover of the outdoors and growing things, he is proud to use farming practices that minimize impacts on the land. Pepin Heights, a Food Alliance Certified grower, is located near the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Southeastern Minnesota, and Chet says it is a truly beautiful place to work. By constantly monitoring soil erosion, insect populations, and plant diseases, Chet and other Pepin Heights growers are able to keep these problems under control with minimal intervention and chemical inputs.
Nathalie, a Minnesota native, has an appreciation for other entrepreneurs, especially the growers who supply her restaurant. Her relationship with Pepin Heights Orchards makes sense; their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their land and producing some of the best-tasting and highest-quality apples means that Nathalie can continue to serve up delectable meals knowing she is supporting sustainable, entrepreneurial growers.
