Crista Luedtke is a visionary chef, hotelier, and serial creator known for shaping the modern Russian River food and hospitality scene. She thrives on crafting experiences that connect people through food, flavor, and heart.

Her Midwestern roots, global travels, and deep connection to Sonoma County’s seasonal bounty, fuel the way she cooks. Raised in her family’s restaurant, Crista learned every aspect of the craft from her talented mother before forging her own culinary path. In 2009, she opened boon eat + drink, igniting the Russian River dining scene and launching a string of acclaimed concepts built on big flavors, local farms, and the kind of food that people crave.

A Food Network Triple G Grand Champion and GGG/DDD Super Teams winner, Crista is a celebrated competitor and culinary judge known for creativity under pressure. She stars in the food-and-travel docuseries Lost in Taste and Taste Buds on Reach TV and, appears in the award-winning documentary film Empire on Main Street. On screen and on the plate, Crista brings fire, humor, grit, and heart—proving you can be serious about food and impossible to ignore.

Constantly dreaming, building, and stirring the pot, Crista’s mission is simple: create memorable meals and moments to cherish.