Salish Lodge and Spa recently announced the appointment of Jack Strong as the new chef de cuisine of the lodge’s Dining Room.
Strong, who hails from Siletz, Ore., and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz, looks forward to returning to his friends, family and the farm-fresh, native ingredients of the Pacific Northwest.
Strong most recently worked as chef de cuisine at the AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five-Star rated Kai Restaurant in Chandler, Ariz. During his tenure at Kai, the restaurant emerged as the state’s highest rated restaurant, receiving top marks in local and national media including The Wall Street Journal, Phoenix Magazine and The Arizona Republic. Just prior to Strong’s departure, Kai was rated “Best Restaurant in the Valley” by Zagat.
“As a seasoned veteran of the restaurant and fine dining industry, Chef Strong will be an exemplary addition to our world-class culinary team,” said Lenny Zilz, general manager of Salish Lodge & Spa. “His Pacific Northwest roots and Native American heritage are a natural fit here at the lodge, and we look forward to sharing his talents with our guests.”
Prior to his work at Kai, Strong served as sous chef for the Windows on the Green at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he was responsible for all aspects of the culinary program. It was here that he developed a strong foundation for southwestern cuisine.
Strong spent eight years at Adam’s Place Restaurant in Eugene, Ore., where he held various positions in the kitchen eventually working his way up the ranks to become co-executive chef. It was at this Tilth-certified organic restaurant, now called Adam’s Sustainable Table that he developed an understanding of fine dining and Spanish cuisine, laying the foundation for his career under the mentorship of an executive chef with strong French and Asian influences.
Strong is a graduate of the culinary program at Lane Community College in Eugene, Ore. In 2008, he was nominated for the James Beard Award long list, “Best Chef: Southwest.” When he’s not cooking, Strong enjoys playing basketball and golf.
