Brandon Dearden Biography – Brandon Dearden Wiki

Brandon Dearden, the executive chef and co-owner of Ember and Grano in Hamilton, Montana, is currently making waves as a contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef” 2026. Adding to his culinary acclaim, Dearden has recently earned the prestigious title of James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the Mountains, a testament to his skill and dedication to the craft.

Born in 1987 in Sterling, Virginia, Dearden’s culinary journey began in his youth. He spent his formative years in the kitchen, cooking alongside his grandmother and assisting at his father’s restaurant. By the age of 15, he was already immersed in the restaurant scene in Alexandria, starting from the ground up by washing dishes and peeling potatoes. It was at 16 that Dearden realized his dream of becoming a chef.

After pursuing dual degrees in Culinary Arts and International Baking & Pastry, Dearden refined his skills in culinary hotspots such as Las Vegas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. His impressive resume includes stints with celebrated establishments like Alinea, Saison Hospitality Group, Wolfgang Puck’s Fine Dining Group, Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, and Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group.

Today, residing in Hamilton, MT, Dearden brings his culinary vision to life at Ember and Grano. At Ember, he champions a live-fire-driven approach to Montana cuisine, utilizing local grains, seasonal produce, and partnerships with trusted ranchers. This establishment focuses on local ingredients, showcasing the region’s terroir, beef, and hyper-seasonal offerings. Meanwhile, Grano offers a taste of American-Italian cuisine, emphasizing simplicity and expertly executed dishes.

Brandon Dearden Age

Brandon Dearden competes in the 23rd season of “Top Chef” alongside his identical twin brother, Jonathan. Their sibling rivalry adds an exciting dynamic to the competition, with both brothers thriving under pressure. Brandon’s focused approach and fiery passion for food are evident in every challenge he tackles, making him a formidable contestant on the show.

Brandon Dearden Top Chef

Brandon Dearden is competing in the Bravo culinary competition “Top Chef” Season 23. He shares his passion for food alongside his identical twin brother and fellow competitor, Jonathan, this season. Known for his ability to thrive under pressure, especially fueled by a friendly lifelong sibling rivalry, Brandon approaches every challenge with focus and fire.

The winner of Season 23 will receive a $250,000 grand prize, a feature in “Food & Wine” magazine, an appearance at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, a chance to headline their own exclusive dinner at the historic James Beard House in New York, and the opportunity to present at The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago, according to the show’s website.

The upcoming season of Top Chef will showcase the “regional history, diverse cultural flavors, and rich agricultural bounty across the Carolinas,” according to Bravo.

Brandon Dearden Ethnicity

Brandon Dearden is of Black ethnicity.

Instagram

Brandon Dearden’s Instagram handle is @chefauthorized.