Suggestions
Lisa Schroeder
Owner, Mother's Bistro & Bar
Lisa Schroeder is the Executive Chef and Owner of Mother's Bistro & Bar in Portland, Oregon.12 She is a mother, grandmother, chef, restaurateur, activist, and author.4 Schroeder opened Mother's Bistro & Bar in 2000, which has since become a popular award-winning restaurant in downtown Portland.13
Schroeder's culinary journey began in 1992 when she realized there was no restaurant serving the kind of comfort food she would make at home.1 She then spent eight years working towards her dream of opening such a restaurant.1 To achieve this goal, she:
- Enrolled at The Culinary Institute of America, graduating with honors in 19951
- Worked at four-star restaurants in New York City, including Lespinasse and Le Cirque1
- Completed apprenticeships in France at renowned establishments1
Before opening Mother's, Schroeder worked as a chef at Besaw's Café in Portland for two years.1 Her restaurant, Mother's Bistro & Bar, serves "Mother Food" – slow-cooked dishes and comfort food classics made from scratch.15
Schroeder has received numerous accolades, including:
- "Restaurant of the Year" award from Willamette Week in 20001
- Portland Business Journal's Businesswoman of the Year award1
- IACP Chef/Restaurateur Award of Excellence1
- National Restaurateur of the Year from Independent Restaurateur Magazine1
- Woman of Achievement Award from the Oregon Commission for Women1
In addition to her culinary achievements, Schroeder is also an author, having released her cookbook "Mother's Best" in 2009.1 She has appeared on various television programs, including the Today Show and Good Morning America.2
Schroeder is known for her community involvement, participating in numerous charities and causes such as Share Our Strength, Basic Rights Oregon, and Americans for Gun Sense.1
Highlights


