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Chef Lance Knowling

Chef Lance Knowling has made his mark at every level of the culinary scene. Originally from Kansas City, Lance began as an apprentice through the Texas Chefs Association in Dallas, and worked for Sheraton Hotels, Four Seasons, and Marriott Hotels. During his apprenticeship he studied Classical French Cuisine, winning several awards and medals. He then moved to New York City and worked at Marriott's flagship property, The Marquis, as Chef of JW’s, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. With his career on the move, Lance went on to work at some of the most influential restaurants in the New York Metropolitan area, including: Le Delice, The Black Orchid, Jaime’s, Yves, Butterfield 81, The Park Avenue Club, Orange Lawn Tennis Club, Oznot’s Dish, and America Bar + Restaurant. Chef Lance also worked with some of the best caterers in NYC including Mary Giuliani (NYC’s top caterer) and R. Cano Events. 

 

In 2002, Chef Lance opened his first restaurant, Indigo Smoke, in Montclair, NJ, with critical acclaim. Indigo Smoke celebrated Southern Cuisine and Kansas City Barbecue. Indigo Smoke was recognized as being one of New Jersey’s best restaurants and also garnering “Best of” and “Critics Choice” awards in New Jersey Monthly for 10 years in a row.

 

Chef Lance's talents have been recognized by The New York Times, The New York Daily News, New Jersey Monthly, Time Out New York, The Star Ledger, Black Enterprise, and Zagat, among many others. His clients have included Columbia University, Aetna, Peloton, Citibike, Essence Magazine, Vibe, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, The New York Jets, The Brooklyn Nets, and The NFL, MLB, among many others. Celebrities have included Whoopi Goldberg, Queen Latifah, Nas, Cory Booker, Cornel West, Joe Walsh, Andre Braugher, Chris Broussard, and Michael Strahan, to name a few. In 2010, Chef Lance was part of the team to cater Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, where he prepared a special meal for President Bill Clinton.

 

Chef Lance has also worked with, and supports numerous charitable organizations including Table to Table, The James Beard Foundation, Autism Speaks, City Harvest, and his own non profit, The Black Chef Series. He has appeared on Television several times, as a competitor on TV Food Networks Extreme Chef, profiled on Fluffy's Food Adventures with Gabriel Iglesias, NBC New York, CBS New York, and several other programs.

 

In 2015, Lance opened his Harlem restaurant, Blujeen, again receiving critical acclaim. Blujeen specialized in Modern Southern Cuisine and Fine Catering, becoming one of New York City’s sought out caterers. During the pandemic, Chef Lance returned to Dallas, and became a private Celebrity Chef. 

 

Chef Lance recently moved back to the Northeast, and is now Executive Chef at The Woolverton Inn, in Stockton, NJ, a historic country estate, recognized as one of the best B&B’s in the United States. The Woolverton Inn also features a unique restaurant and beautiful event space in an eighteenth century restored barn. The Woolverton Inn is a member of Select Registry and the Historic Hotels of America.  

Chef | Food Entrepreneur

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