Ana Sortun

Chef Ana holds a degree from La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in Paris. Originally from Seattle, she has been a part of Boston's culinary scene since 1990. After opening Moncef Medebs' Aigo Bistro in Concord, Massachusetts, she brought her innovative Mediterranean food to 8 Holyoke in Harvard Square. Making Cambridge her home a year later, she took over the kitchen at Casablanca where she brought dining to a drinking destination and was recognized nationally. In January 2001, Sortun opened her own Restaurant, Oleana and was nominated for "Best New Restaurant in America" by the James Beard Foundation. Known for unique Arabic-Mediterranean food, Oleana has received much local & national praise, including "Best Pastry Chef" and "Best Al Fresco Dining" by Boston Magazine. Ana won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef of the Northeast in 2005.