Kathleen Crook

Everywhere you find Chef Kathleen Crook, big laughter and good food follow. 

Chef Crook has always found joy in food and a deep respect for its source. In her hometown of Artesia, New Mexico, nightly supper is akin to worship. Folks in the small town community eat only what comes from the land. Growing up in Artesia, farm to table was more than just a marketing term, it was a way of life. When she wasn't in school, Kathleen was working her daddy's farm, her mama's steers or alongside her Granny Jackie, whose local catering business was known as much for fun as it was for food. 

After high school, Chef Crook was awarded a College Rodeo Scholarship and traveled the circuit for three years. Ultimately she won the prestigious World Champion Breakaway Roper. In 1997 she felt a tug back to the land and back to food. Kathleen hung up her spurs for good and reached for a chef's knife. 

Flying through the curriculum at Scottsdale Culinary Institute Le Cordon Bleu, Chef Crook burst onto the Dallas food scene in 2003 where she honed her artistry working with masters like Tom Fleming - Central 214, Mickie Crockett - Front Burner Restaurants, Gilbert Garza - Suze and Marc Cassel - 20 Feet Seafood Joint. 2010 brought Crook back to the west and Aspen, Colorado, where she opened Steakhouse 316, was featured on season 2 of Cooking Channel's, "Chuck's Eat the Street", and national recognition by Best Chefs America.

Chef Crook returned to her native state of New Mexico in 2018, as owner and Executive Chef of Market Steer Steakhouse. Here is where she shares, with the Santa Fe foodie community, her knowledge of beef, respect for fresh foods and her own particular brand of joie de vivre,