About Stef Endres

From the Swabian Alb to Dane County.

Stef is a first-generation transplant from Southern Germany. Born and raised in the Swabian Albs near the Castle of Hohenzollern, Stef started her culinary Journey in her Teenage Years, working in the kitchen of the Nägelehaus mountain inn and hiking lodge near her hometown of Albstadt. Later, she spent her summers at Hotel Restaurant Forellenhof Rössle in Honau, where she trained in classic French techniques. After High school, she moved to Heidelberg, Germany, where she earned a degree in Photography and deepened her hotelier and culinary skills. In 1998, Stef came to La Crosse, Wisconsin, to earn a second degree and worked in classic German-cuisine restaurants like the Black Rose. In 2003, she moved to Green County, WI, purchased a 26-acre farm, and raised heritage pigs, geese, and chickens. In 2011, Stef was named Outstanding Young Professional of the Year. Her farm was celebrated for its sustainable, cage-free practices and for providing all-natural pork and poultry products. Stef was also a part-time instructor at Blackhawk Technical College, a chef, and a food stylist.

In addition, she has been a guest chef and instructor at several area food events, such as the "Stirring the Pot" series and Meals of Hope. Her career as a food stylist perfectly combined her love for photography and cooking, but her love for culinary adventures never faded. While Stef still works in food styling, her two sons are almost grown, and she is looking for the next adventure.

Stef invites you to have a seat at her table and taste her humble Swabian roots, mixed with Bohemian and Czech heritage.