Welcome to the first installment of our #blog! Each week, we’ll be sharing an insider perspective on what makes our hotel special. This week, we’re kicking it off with a spotlight on one of our key players: Chef Jordan Green.

When considering his role, it’s easier to ask Chef Jordan what he DOESN’T do! As both the Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage here at The Landmark, our “Chef and B” wears a myriad of hats: kitchen coordinator, menu creator, staff trainer, inventory taker, setter of standards, and more.

Like the whitefish we love sourcing locally (#thillsfishhouse), our culinary expert is Michigan-made! Chef Jordan was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he grew up in a household that was “centered around the kitchen counter”, which meant meals and memories were often made in the same place. His parents had a vegetable garden and enjoyed creating meals from scratch, often internationally-inspired. This allowed him to appreciate fresh ingredients, spices, and the process of turning them into something magical from a young age.

Before joining our team almost two years ago, Chef Jordan graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 2005, and has excelled in a variety of culinary roles since. He’s been a line supervisor, lead cook, executive sous chef, and executive chef, thriving in every earned position. Chef Jordan’s culinary expertise has brought him to New York City, California wine country, and most recently, back to Michigan. His impeccable palette and desire to elevate comfort foods are just two strengths he incorporates into his career. Chef Jordan’s “Notorious Northland Butter Burger” has become a staple of our Northland Gastropub, one that both locals and newcomers are quick to rave about. He knows that food brings people together, and keeps that principle at the forefront of his work.

But Chef Jordan’s excellence goes beyond food. If our hotel restaurants are a ship, then he’s at the helm, steady and calculated. He doesn’t just steer the boat; he gives the team clear direction and coordination. No matter how busy things get, Chef Jordan is there to encourage and lead with the perfect balance of mentorship and delegation. He’s a quick learner who wants to understand each and every person on our team so that he can better support them. He’s the reason we sail forward.

When he isn’t whipping up a flavorful batch of carnitas or perfecting a new idea, Chef Jordan can probably be found hanging out with his wife, daughter, and two cats. He’s also a big Motown enthusiast, and uses his passion for music to book local musicians in our restaurants, which not only makes for delightful ambiance, but allows for our hotel to be a place for connection and community. How neat is that?