Cooking with Mom: Chef Beau Schmidt and his mother share kitchen tales
Introduction
Some of the best cooks and chefs in the world have had humble beginnings, and one such chef is Beau Schmidt. Chef Beau Schmidt has spent a lot of years in the kitchen with his mother Geraldine “Jerry” Schmidt, and they have incredible tales to tell. The Schmidt family has always been passionate about food, and Jerry’s love for baking and Paul’s experience as a cook in the Army led to a lot of home-cooked Lebanese meals, catering, and baking. In this article, we explore the journey of Chef Beau Schmidt and his mother, and how they continue to create magic in the kitchen.
Culinary Journey of Chef Beau and His Mother
From Pans to Pizza Dough: Learning the Ropes of Cooking
Chef Beau Schmidt’s journey began when he was just five years old when he used to take out pans from the oven for his older sisters. His creativity kicked in early as he experimented with making Hamburger Helper in different ways and creating interesting lunches for his siblings. Beau’s dad, Paul, was a cook in the army, and Jerry was an excellent baker, so there was always a lot of cooking happening at home. At age 13, Beau landed his first job at a restaurant, making pizza dough and Italian sausage from scratch.
The Orangerie Mall to Beau’s Tavern: A Culinary Vision
Beau Schmidt had a vision of where he wanted to go, and he started putting his dreams into reality at age 19 when he opened his first restaurant, Beau’s Oakwood Bar & Grill. From working at the Akron Club to getting a group of investors to buy Crocker’s Restaurant, Beau went through a lot of ups and downs before finally settling at Beau’s Grille in Fairlawn Plaza, where he has been for the past 20 years. He is also the owner of Beau’s on the River in Cuyahoga Falls and Beau’s Market in Copley.
A Family Affair: Keeping Traditions Alive
Beau Schmidt’s mother, Jerry Schmidt, has been an integral part of his culinary journey. From working at the Akron City Club to joining Beau at Crocker’s and later at Beau’s Tavern, Jerry has been a constant presence in the kitchen. Beau even worked at Swensons with his mother, where they created mouth-watering burgers. Working together, Beau and Jerry have kept the traditions alive, creating everything from scratch, just like when they started, and putting their own twist on various dishes, making them more flavorful.
Related Facts
- Chef Beau Schmidt has won several awards for his culinary skills, including the DiRoNa Award, the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and the AAA Four Diamond Award.
- Beau’s Grille in Fairlawn is a top-rated restaurant, with excellent reviews from customers and food critics alike.
- Jerry Schmidt has worked with four of her grandchildren in the kitchen at the Hilton, keeping the family tradition alive.
Key Takeaway
The journey of Chef Beau Schmidt and his mother, Jerry Schmidt, is a testament to the power of family, passion, and hard work. From humble beginnings to owning three restaurants, Chef Beau has proven that with determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. Working closely with his mother, Chef Beau has kept the traditions alive, creating mouth-watering dishes that have won several awards.
Conclusion
Chef Beau Schmidt and his mother, Jerry Schmidt, are an inspiration to all aspiring chefs and home cooks. Their journey is a testament to the power of family and passion, and their love for food has led to the creation of some of the most mouth-watering dishes. Whether it’s Swensons or Beau’s Grille in Fairlawn, Chef Beau and his mother are still making magic happen in the kitchen. Cooking with mom may not be everyone’s journey, but for Chef Beau, it has been the key to his culinary success.