Adam & Jackie
Adam Sappington, former Executive Chef at Wildwood restaurant in Portland, Oregon, has been performing in the kitchen for more than twenty years. A self-taught chef and mid-western boy at heart, Sappington’s passion for food goes back to the way he was brought up on the farmlands of central Missouri, where he spent hours with his mother in the kitchen and attended the local farmers market with his grandmother. “It’s the value of a sense of place, and the comfort of being together at the dinner table that lured me into this industry,” says Sappington. “I love how food is innately conversational and brings people together.”
Former Pastry Chef at Café Azul and Lauro Kitchen, Jackie Sappington’s love for food is that you would expect from a pastry chef – warm and patient, but disciplined and infused with love. A self-taught chef from Los Angeles, California, Jackie’s career began at home preparing dinner for her family and catering friends’ parties. By the time she was 10 years old, Jackie tackled her first recipe out of Julia Child’s seminal book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The recipe: a layered puff pastry dessert. Only later did she realize that this impressive feat would lay the foundation for her future specialty in sweets.
In 1995, Adam and Jackie met while cooking at Wildwood. “We fell in love over the stove.” Married in 2000, the couple knew that a family-driven restaurant would ultimately be in their future.
In 2007, Jackie and husband Adam opened their dream venture – The Country Cat Dinner House & Bar – a soulful restaurant, in Southeast Portland that is helping to build a neighborhood community united by a love for food and honest relationships. When choosing locations for The Country Cat, Jackie and Adam wanted a place that encapsulated the family values that laid the strong foundation for their careers. Montavilla was the perfect fit. “Seeing the cross section of people that come into the restaurant is a testament for me,” says Jackie. “We get a great mix – young hipsters, church goers, 80 year-old Grandpa’s singing Ray Charles out loud – all are welcome at our table.”
Adam’s menu at The Country Cat is driven from his value system and regional, white tablecloth dining experiences – it’s smoky, rustic and earthy with bold, playful flavors and a ‘wow factor.’ Adam remains dedicated to the philosophy of using fresh, seasonal ingredients, while infusing his mid-western roots and love and appreciation for family dinners.
Adam and Jackie Sappington have two sons and are both active members in the community. They currently participate in an outdoor learning garden to teach youngsters about fresh food and gardening, giving them a sense of the seasons.