Monogram Luxury Appliances Announces Renowned Chef Edward Lee As First-Ever Culinary Director
Chef Edward Lee Courtesy of Monogram Luxury Appliances
Making a strategic commitment to the expansion of culinary expertise, Monogram luxury appliances announced Chef Edward Lee, a James Beard Award-winning author and the long-time Louisville-based owner and head chef of several nationally-recognized restaurants, as the brand's first-ever Culinary Director to build on its culinary platform.
In this role, per a news release, Chef Lee will formulate the official Monogram Culinary Guidelines and build a future Monogram Culinary Council that embodies the brand's vision of prestige, performance and elegance. He will also create original and elevated recipes that reflect the contemporary desire for healthy and organic ingredients while highlighting the sophisticated capabilities of the appliances. This vision will be showcased by Chef Lee when he represents Monogram at culinary and industry events throughout the year.
"We're embarking on a truly unique partnership rooted in a shared culinary vision, and I'm honored to be on this ride with Monogram – a brand that represents excellence," said Lee in the announcement. "I can't wait to collaborate with Monogram and work with world-class appliances that enable both professional chefs and home cooks to create amazing dishes that delight."
This new partnership is an extension of Monogram's support of the LEE Initiative, an organization founded by Chef Lee to bring more diversity and equality to the restaurant industry. In April 2021, Monogram launched its partnership with the LEE Initiative as part of the brand's commitment to support rising stars in culinary arts.
Erik Segelbaum, a sommelier, wine educator and wine journalist, who was named a 2020 Wine Enthusiast "40 under 40 Global Tastemaker" and Food & Wine Magazine "2019 Sommelier of the Year," is joining Monogram as Wine Director. In this role, he will lead the creation and direction of wine education at brand events to elevate the palates of consumers with sophisticated pairings as part of the Monogram Culinary Guidelines. He will also represent the brand at tasting and brand experiences throughout the year.
Finally, Monogram has named restaurateur Patrick Roney as the Executive Chef and Culinary Trainer at the Monogram Experience Center in Louisville, Kentucky. In this role, Chef Roney will work alongside longtime Monogram Chef Brian Logsdan and will collaborate with the brand by elevating the at-home culinary experience for Monogram audiences. Roney will continue to bring a strong attention to detail from his many years of work in luxury yacht and restaurant dining. Chef Roney has held leading positions in Louisville hotspots, such as Oakroom at The Seelbach Hotel, Harvest and Ashbourne Farms. Roney's experience with luxury audiences and exquisite food will be showcased throughout the brand's social channels and in customer experiences in Louisville.
"We are so excited for Chef Lee, Erik Segelbaum and Chef Roney to join the Monogram family and work with us to produce content and launch initiatives that embody culinary elegance under the leadership of Chef Lee," said Julie Burns, Executive Director of Monogram. "With their uniquely qualified perspective and expertise, we're looking forward to them helping further Monogram's mission to enhance the home culinary experience."
