Zoe Nathan

Zoe Nathan has become a driving force in Southern California's vibrant culinary scene, not only as a talented pastry chef but also as a key figure in the Rustic Canyon Family of Restaurants. Her journey began after a brief stint at the New School in New York City and a subsequent culinary education at ICE. After working in notable kitchens like Lupa and Joe's, Nathan's path led her to San Francisco's acclaimed Tartine Bakery & Café, where she honed her skills and embraced the collaborative spirit of the baking world.

A pivotal moment arrived when she connected with Josh Loeb, her now-husband and business partner. Introduced by their mothers, Nathan joined Loeb's Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen as Pastry Chef in 2006. This marked the beginning of a hugely successful personal and professional partnership that would reshape Santa Monica's dining landscape. Nathan's contributions to Rustic Canyon earned her a James Beard Foundation (JBF) Award semifinalist nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2018, a testament to her exceptional talent. The restaurant itself, under various chefs, garnered numerous accolades, including six Best Chef nominations and a Michelin star in 2019.

In 2009, Nathan and Loeb launched Huckleberry Bakery and Café, an instant sensation. This success paved the way for the official establishment of their hospitality group, Rustic Canyon Family of Restaurants, in 2010. The group soon expanded to include Sweet Rose Creamery and Milo + Olive Italian bakery and pizzeria, further solidifying their influence on the local food scene.

The Rustic Canyon Family has continued to flourish, partnering with other industry professionals on a variety of innovative concepts. These include Cassia, a Southeast Asian restaurant with chef-couple Bryant and Kim Ng; Esters Wine Shop and Bar with wine director Kathryn Coker; and Birdie G's Supper & Cocktails with Rustic Canyon's JBF -nominated-chef Jeremy Fox. Cassia earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant in 2016 and Outstanding Restaurant in 2023, while Chef Bryant Ng received multiple Best Chef nominations. Esters has also twice been recognized as a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar.

In 2022, Nathan led the team in opening The Dutchess in Ojai, taking over a historic space that once housed the town's first bakery. This all-day bakery, cafe, and Burmese restaurant is helmed by Nathan, with former Milo + Olive bakery director Kelsey Brito and chef Saw Naing (formerly of the Rustic Canyon group's Tallula's) rounding out the team. The Dutchess quickly earned critical acclaim from publications like Saveur, Bon Appetit, The Los Angeles Times, Variety, Vogue, and Eater, and quickly earned a place in the Michelin Guide-California.

The impact of Zoe Nathan and the Rustic Canyon Family on Southern California's culinary landscape is undeniable. Their restaurants have earned widespread recognition, including numerous accolades from the Michelin Guide, and Nathan and Loeb themselves were recognized by the James Beard Foundation as semifinalists for the prestigious "Outstanding Restaurateur" award in 2018.  Nathan's dedication to quality, innovation, and community has cemented her status as a leading figure in the region's dynamic food scene.