141. Gregory León- A Guest Ep!
Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast! You're just in time for the episode 141, which just happens to be the premiere of Season. Whether you're listening for the first time, or have been with us since the beginning, we are so glad you are here. Food fans, buckle up- because today you're going to learn that Milwaukee is a serious food city. Join us as we talk to Chef Gregory León, from Amilinda. Chef León is a two-time James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Midwest (2022, 2023) and a two – time semifinalist for Outstanding Chef (2024, 2025). Central to his leadership is a philosophy that challenges traditional kitchen hierarchies. One long-standing “rule” he intentionally breaks is the notion that the Executive Chef should be the sole creative voice behind the menu. We talk about the incredible connections Amilinda has to the city, including its fundraising efforts, and dive deep into the flavors and inspiration behind the ever-changing menu. Melissa and Steve had a blast getting to know Chef Greg, and you will too. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share with a friend!
Chef and Restauranteur
Chef Gregory León was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Venezuela, where food, family, and culture were inseparable at the kitchen table. After returning to the United States, he relocated to San Francisco in 1994, spending 18 years cooking in acclaimed restaurants including Poesia, Mirtille, and Horatius. During this time, he traveled extensively through Spain and Portugal, developing a deep, enduring connection to the cuisines of the Iberian Peninsula that would later define his culinary voice.
In 2012, León moved to Milwaukee and launched Amilinda as a pop-up in 2013, opening its brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2015. The restaurant quickly earned local and national recognition, including three stars from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and inclusion on Thrillist’s 21 Best New Restaurants in America. For nearly a decade, Amilinda has remained a fixture on Eater’s must-visit lists and has become a pillar of Milwaukee’s culinary scene—shaping the city’s dining culture, mentoring generations of cooks, and serving as a creative hub for collaboration and community. In 2025, Amilinda celebrated its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of sustained excellence, relevance, and leadership.
Chef León is a two-time James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Midwest (2022, 2023) and a two – time semifinalist for Outstanding Chef (2024, 2025). Central to his leadership is a philosophy that challenges traditional kitchen hierarchies. One long-standing “rule” he intentionally breaks is the notion that the Executive Chef should be the sole creative voice behind the menu. At A…Read More
