Chef Tom Black's Bio

Tom began his culinary career at age 15, working at a family-operated restaurant in Indiana. He earned a Culinary Arts degree in 1995 from New England Culinary Institute, returning there a few years later as an instructor for a few terms. Tom worked his way up through the restaurant ranks, starting at Sheraton Seattle as lead line cook. His first chef position was at Fullers Restaurant in 1998.

In September of 2001, Tom was named executive chef and general manager of the Barking Frog Restaurant at Willows Lodge in Woodinville. In 2004 he added a sister property, The Restaurant at Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal, to his responsibilities as well. He oversaw culinary operations for both properties until 2005.

His menus reflect Tom's focus on regionally-influenced, globally inspired cuisine and in 2001, the prestigious Zagat awarded him with Best Northwest Cuisine. In 2003, the Washington Wine Commission named the Barking Frog Restaurant of the Year, their highest honor.

Tom's influence on Seattle has been strong; articles about his creativity have appeared in Sante, Bon Appetit, Nation's Restaurant News, WHERE � Seattle, and Northwest Palate. He has served as Culinary Chair for Taste of the Nation - Share our Strength and participates in numerous events throughout the year in the community including Taste Washington, Taste Woodinville, Passport to Woodinville and Chef's Night Out.

In the spring of 2004, Tom was asked to cook at the James Beard House in NYC as part of a Winemaker / Chef Series Dinner.Tom has been a FareStart guest chef on numerous occasions and is a current advisory board member. He is an active member of Operation Front Line, an organization focused on teaching culinary skills to seven-to-twelve-year-olds at Seattle youth centers, and is also involved with the Fred Hutchinson Premier Chefs Gala, the American Liver Foundation, the Auction of Northwest Wines, and many other charitable associations. Recently Tom traveled to Yokohama, Japan to prepare a dinner at the Hotel Intercontinental as part of a Washington Wine promotion.