I am one of only 73 Certified (real) Master Chefs in the United States, having earned my Master's in cookery at the Culinary Institute of America and passing an exam that over 64% have failed. I am a member of the World Master Chef Society and am a certified WACS Global Master Chef. In the past three years, I have trained 5 chefs for the master chef exam who have passed this prestigious pinnacle. My cuisine is flavorful and I am known in the states and abroad for my culinary leadership and making food a experience.
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Chef Edward Leonard is one of only 73 Certified Master Chefs in the country, and, is one of four that also holds the master chef designation from Germany and World Cooks Society. He is globally recognized as a distinguished culinary leader, difference maker, and a true agent of change, leaving any property under his leadership in a more successful state than when he arrived.
While based in New York City, Chef Ed spent 13 years with the leading British hotel and catering company, Trust House Forte, traveling the globe and holding positions as Corporate Chef of North America, Director of Operations, Vice President, and Executive Vice President. Chef has also spent time at Hotels such as Plaza Athene, Westbury, Watergate in DC, along with high end dining rooms for corporations like NatWest Westminster Bank, General Electric, and American Express.
Chef Leonard spent 8+ years with the famed Westchester Country Club & Hotel. During his tenure, the club was recognized for Culinary excellence and became the 12th ranked Platinum Club in the country.
Chef also has a passion for making an impact on the industry by working with students. He was named the Vice President of Culinary Academics for Le Cordon Bleu North America. With 14,000 students and overseeing 16 colleges, he reconstructed the syllabus and curriculum, updating the program while also creating a restaurant capstone concept called “Technique” for the student’s last class.
His mentorship has also groomed many culinary professionals, including but not limited to 5 Certified Master Chefs! They say the legacy of a chef is written by those who ultimately leave their kitchens to for their own; Chef Leonard certainly has a trail of chefs he has impacted through the years. His unwavering support and leadership has helped shape the careers of many successful Chef’s.
Chef Ed has won numerous awards and is recognized as a true leader for his contributions and impact on the industry both in the United States and globally.
Chef Leonard is currently the Director of Culinary Operations of Fresh Meadow Country Club, where he is building a new culture using his tried and true “Culinary Pride Program“. Many clubs, resorts and hotels currently use his program as his protégés take with, and now carry, the culinary pride gospel that he teaches. He recently won the American Culinary Federations industry award for Innovation 2021 and Gold Kitchens award for Outstanding Club and Golf Club Chef for 2021.