This is what a real career path in hospitality looks like.
Mental health days. 401(k) match. Mornings off.
Chef @kimalter built Nightbird in San Francisco around the people who work there, and explains why in this episode of Restaurant Ready.
If you're in hospitality, this one's worth your time.
✨ Listen now. Link in bio.
#WePowerPeople #MAJCCommunity #RestaurantOps #Podcast #HospitalityLife
Wrapping up our Inspiring Women menu, this course holds a special place in my heart. I speak about @zettechef as much as I can. Working @acquerellosf throughout my career, really guided me as a chef and a person. I constantly see her in myself when I am teaching, learning or even disciplining in my own kitchen. She quietly still works the line, as do I, really bringing up the next generation of chefs. When I worked pasta there, the foie gras and lobster panzerotti were mainstays. I'm pretty sure I gained 5# making those pan sauces every night. So this is my interpretation of her lobster panzerotti done in my style. This course is dedicated to all the Women Mentors, the ones quietly working behind the stoves making us who we are now.
We were lucky enough to cook for some folks from @nineinchnails last week. I've always felt a connection between music and food, there is a symbiosis, a need for both, whether we are speaking about music in restaurants or music during the creation of those dinners.
Listening to them talk about each other as family and talk about the stress, fun and anxiety the tour gives is, for me, similar to being in a kitchen. It all takes a toll on your body and mind but the relationships you make, the memories you create are beyond explanation.
They were gracious enough to give us tickets to the show and it was awesome. So many people and talents going into it. Thank you so much....thanks for the connect @ilanhall and @chefchriscosentino
I did my first kintsugi class and not only was it fun to do something with my hands, relating to my industry but it made me start to think about how much this is life, especially lately. Picking up the broken pieces and putting something you have loved back together to make you love and appreciate it again. It's me.
Yet in true me fashion, I still found the fault in my piece. I didn't sand the ceramic down enough, it's a little crooked, one piece is too broken.....I find fault or failure in almost everything I do. Hopefully this little $2 tea cup is going to teach me to change that about myself this year.🤞
We will be donating 10% of all today’s sales from both restaurant and bar to @immigrantlawcentermn — we stand in solidarity with the millions of immigrants under siege from this administration. To those of you out in the streets making your voices heard, we see you, we love you and we thank you!
🎉Please join me and my fellow James Beard nominated chefs for Release Day @silveroakcellars February 7th. Come taste and have the first opportunity to get your hands on the 2021 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 🎉
LINK IN BIO for tickets 👈🏾
Chef @kimalter is the visionary chef and owner behind @nightbirdsf located in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley. With a career spanning some of the bay area’s most acclaimed kitchens—including Manresa, Ubuntu and Acquerello—Alter brings a wealth of experience and a distinctly modern perspective to California cuisine.
At nightbird, Alter delivers a refined, seasonally driven tasting menu that fuses impeccable technique with bold creativity. Her culinary philosophy centers on whole-animal cookery, sustainability, and strong partnerships with local farms—resulting in dishes that are as thoughtful as they are innovative.
Chef @dominicarice is the chef and owner of @bomberaoakland in Oakland, California. Her culinary approach was honed at Chez Panisse, where she spent six years working closely with her mentor Alice Waters. Emphasizing organic, local, and whole foods, Dominica has played a pivotal role in placing California-based Mexican cuisine in conversation with the need to protect biodiversity and Mexican heritage. Bombera, located in a former fire station in Oakland’s Dimond District, showcases an all-women team of tortilla masters. #silveroak #silveroakwinery #womenchefsrock
Happy New Year.....a few days late, but the first day the fog in my brain has cleared a little (thank you long covid). I had to post this cute pic from @jotozoto of me and @ronboyd138 It seems that every year gets harder in some way shape or form and this year was no different for me and most folks I know, specifically the last few months. Really manifesting this year to be better. Trying to lead with purpose and kindness leading into 2026
Happy holidays from us! @ronboyd138 said this holiday season has been peaNUTS!! We hope everyone got time to be with friends and family or relax on your own. Take a breath, it's almost over.......
Join Chef Kim Alter of @nightbirdsf at Foodwise Sunday Supper on October 19! ⭐️
Kick off this stunning night with an abundant walkaround reception, followed by a four-course feast, inspiring speaking moments, and a live auction, where you can bid to have @kimalter and a surprise chef guest prepare a dinner for 12 in the comfort of your home. 🍴
Nightbird will provide an entree of braised @stemplecreek lamb cooked over fire with @mcginnisranch carrots, @dirtygirlproduce greens, @zuckermans_farm potatoes, and vadouvan as part of the innovative selection of dishes crafted by 30 of the Bay Area's top chefs. 🥘
🥂 With your ticket, you’ll be contributing to vital food access for your community and food education for thousands of students.
🎟️ Reserve your seat at the table today at the link in our bio or at foodwise.org/sundaysupper 🎟️
We’re trying some new things this season and we hope you'll join us to experience them!
We're kicking off a new Book Talk series this fall in partnership with @chefkatiereicher of the iconic Greens Restaurant. Chef Katie will discuss her culinary inspirations, favorite Greens memories, and much more. Small bites from her book will be prepared by Chef Katie and our Apprentices!
Join us as we discuss @impactjustice 's new book that dives deep into America’s hidden food deserts, where hunger and malnourishment coexist with shocking levels of food waste and devastating health outcomes. Authors Alex Busansky and Dr. Aishatu R. Yusuf will share their research, expertise on justice reform, and more with our community. Small bites, wine, and a copy of the book will be included with each ticket purchase.
Early bird tickets are on sale now for our next Pop-up Guest Chef Dinner featuring the impeccable cuisine of Chef @kimalter of Nightbird. All proceeds from the evening will support Farming Hope's culinary job training and food justice work.
Visit farminghope.org/events to purchase your tickets!
