Chef Rich Mead

Chef Partner

With nearly four decades of culinary expertise, Chef Rich Mead is a pioneering force in sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine in Southern California. Over the years, he has built enduring relationships with some of the region’s most respected sustainably focused farmers and purveyors, allowing him to craft seasonal menus centered on fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and specially grown produce. In 2016, Chef Mead brought his vision to life at Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, offering a distinct field-to-fork dining experience rooted in sustainability and seasonality.

In 2025, Chef Mead expands his legacy as Chef Partner of Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, an immersive farm-to-table restaurant located within one of Southern California’s most iconic botanical gardens. As the restaurant’s culinary visionary, he brings his signature approach to a new setting, blending a deep respect for local agriculture with the natural beauty of the 150-acre garden. Chef Mead continues to champion a dining experience that celebrates the connection between food, land, and community in every dish.