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Krista Kern Desjarlais
James Beard Award winner
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
The Path
At Bresca in Portland, Krista Kern Desjarlais worked as chef and owner, a role that established the exacting, personal register that carries through her later work. That same approach now runs through The Purple House in North Yarmouth and Bresca & the Honey Bee, both led by Desjarlais as chef and owner.
The Work Today
The current focus is ownership and day-to-day leadership: Krista Kern Desjarlais oversees The Purple House in North Yarmouth as chef and owner, while also holding the same role at Bresca & the Honey Bee.
Acclaim
Krista Kern Desjarlais’s recognition includes a James Beard Award nomination, Best Chef Northeast, and Conde Nast Magazine Top 100 Best New Restaurants in the World.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Krista
Where did Krista Kern Desjarlais work before?
Krista Kern Desjarlais's earlier career included Bresca.
What recognition has Krista Kern Desjarlais received?
James Beard Award semifinalist.
