ABOUT

From violin strings to kitchen flames, Will Karlen’s journey has always been about craft and connection. Originally from the Midwest, he found his rhythm as executive chef at a high-end Italian restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where his love for bold flavors and hospitality began to gain attention.

Now based in New York while studying at the Culinary Institute of America, Will continues to expand his perspective. His training at SingleThread Farms in California—a three-Michelin-star farm-restaurant rooted in harmony with the land—strengthened his belief that great food starts with sustainable farming and respect for the seasons.

Will’s cooking is driven by a simple mission: to foster relationships between kitchens, farmers, and communities. By sourcing from small vendors and practicing sustainable approaches, he strives to create food that is both nourishing and responsible—meals that honor the people and the land behind them.

When he’s not in the kitchen, Will consults on food styling and technique for short films and blogs, or heads outdoors with his family, two cats, and dog, often finding inspiration on long hikes.