Judi Barsness is Chef Owner of Chez Jude on Lake Superior's North Shore. At her restaurant, on the Grand Marais harbor, you can enjoy high afternoon tea overlooking the lake or delicious contemporary cuisine in the evening.
A second generation chef, Judi learned her passion for cooking growing up in her mother's French kitchen. She has achieved more than a few culinary honors- from being featured at the Twin Cities Food & Wine Experience to being chosen to intern with renowned chef, Alice Waters, at Chez Panisse in California.
Judi has taught, and been taught, her share of formal cooking lessons, but the importance of local foods is something she has always been keenly aware of. Judi maintains strong relationships with local producers and emphasizes the fruits of the region in her dishes. Often those "fruits" include wild rice, fresh greens, handmade sausage, and Lake Superior fish.
Judi's menu lists her "friends"- the producers she relies on to supply the fresh ingredients for her creative entrees and pastries. One of these friends is Kim Falter of Wild Edible Gardens who supplies Judi with fresh herbs and edible flowers. Kim, a passionate gardener, grows beautiful, tasty plants in the challenging growing conditions of the North Shore. Kim delights in knowing that Judi has a reverence for the plants she grows and that she lovingly showcases them in her cooking.
