Chef
Kelly McCown
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Sacramento, California, United States
i. Biography
Coming Up
Kelly McCown’s line runs through Seattle, the Culinary Institute of America in California, Napa Valley, and Sacramento kitchens, with Elegant Napa Valley cuisine as the throughline of that path. At Lampreia in Seattle, WA, he served as sous chef from 1992, then moved to Head Chef at Flying Fish in Seattle, WA. In 1999, he became executive sous chef at Greystone Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America in California, later taking the Head Chef post at Martini House in St. Helena, Napa Valley, CA, and then executive chef at Rubicon Estate in Rutherford, CA. The next stretch kept that same progression in view: executive chef at Ella Dining Room and Bar in Sacramento, CA from 2009, followed by executive chef at Goose & Gander in Napa Valley, CA from 2011. Today, Kelly McCown is executive chef of The Kitchen.
Where They Are Now
At The Kitchen in Sacramento, United States, McCown’s work sits at the point where classical training, Seattle discipline, Greystone, Napa Valley, and Sacramento all meet. The role reflects a career built across those kitchens rather than around a single house style. Elegant Napa Valley cuisine describes the register of his cooking as much as the geography behind it. In Sacramento, The Kitchen is where that approach is currently expressed.
Honors
Kelly's honors include Michelin Guide, one star, First Michelin Star awarded in the Sacramento region, Bib Gourmand, Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence, OpenTable Top 100 Restaurants in America, and Yelp Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Kelly
What is Kelly McCown's current role?
Kelly McCown is Executive Chef.
Where did Kelly McCown work before?
Earlier in their career, Kelly McCown worked at Lampreia, Flying Fish, and Greystone Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America.
What recognition has Kelly McCown received?
Michelin Guide, one star.
