Carrie Nahabedian

Carrie Nahabedian
Born	(1958-07-22) July 22, 1958
Occupation	Chef
Known for	Head chef of NAHA, recipient of James Beard Foundation Award (2008)

Carrie Nahabedian (born July 22, 1958) is a distinguished American chef best known for her role as the head of NAHA, a Chicago-based restaurant awarded one Michelin star. Throughout her career, she has occupied significant positions in various dining establishments and was honored with the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award in 2008.

Biography

Inspired early in life by her mother and the iconic celebrity chef Julia Child, Nahabedian embarked on her culinary journey with a three-year apprenticeship at Chicago’s Ritz Carlton Hotel. She subsequently took on the role of assistant chef specializing in garde manger at the newly established Resorts Casino Hotel located in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Upon returning to Chicago, she contributed to Le Perroquet before expanding her expertise in Europe and becoming the first female chef at Chicago’s Le Francais. Nahabedian advanced through several culinary roles in Illinois, including sous chef and eventually executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, marking her initial leadership position. She further extended her tenure within the Four Seasons brand by spending eight years at the Four Seasons Hotel Biltmore in California.

Later, Nahabedian came back to Chicago to open NAHA, which has earned and consistently retained a Michelin star since its establishment. NAHA continues to be a prominent fixture within Chicago’s upscale dining scene.

Awards and honors

In 2008, Nahabedian was awarded the James Beard Foundation Award recognizing excellence in the Great Lakes region. On September 22, 2009, then Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley proclaimed a day in her honor, coinciding with her induction into the Chicago Culinary Museum's Chefs Hall of Fame.

In 2012, NAHA received four AAA Motor Club diamonds. During that same year, Nahabedian distinguished herself as one of only ten female chefs across the United States holding a Michelin star, underscoring her influential status within the culinary field.

Personal life

Nahabedian’s heritage includes Armenian roots through her grandmother Rose.