About Chef Kyle Knall
Kyle Knall is a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist and the chef-owner of Birch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — a restaurant built around simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and a deep commitment to Midwestern sourcing. He has spent his career developing a culinary philosophy rooted in restraint and precision, and is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtful voices in the Midwest’s fine dining scene. He is also the chef behind Cassis, his newer concept that continues to evolve his approach to regional cuisine.
Episode Overview
Kyle Knall is a chef who has consistently chosen depth over noise. Three James Beard nominations, a restaurant built on Midwestern ingredients, and a philosophy that puts simplicity at the center of everything. In this episode, André Natera sits down with him to talk about what that actually looks like in practice — how he sources, how he leads, and how he thinks about building a restaurant culture that can sustain itself over time.
They cover the launch of Cassis and what it represents in the evolution of his cooking, the role of storytelling in hospitality, how he balances the demands of restaurant ownership with family life, and the practical lessons he took from opening Birch. This is a conversation about cooking with intention and building something worth coming back to.
Links & Resources
Kyle Knall on Instagram: @kyleknallyall
Subscribe to Chef’s PSA → youtube.com/@ChefsPSA
Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → shop.chefspsa.com
Visit Chef’s PSA Website → chefspsa.com
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