Meet, John Stewart, Chef Duskie Estes Husband
John Stewart, the husband to Duskie Estes is a renowned American chef, salumist and restaurateur, best known for co-founding Black Pig Meat Co. and Zazu Kitchen + Farm with his wife, Duskie Estes.
The couple’s dedication to sustainable ethical farming and high-quality artisan meats has made them leaders in the farm-to-table movement.
Stewart’s expertise in charcuterie along with his commitment to slow curing ethical pork production and sustainability, has earned him and Estes numerous culinary awards.
John Stewart’s Bio
- Born: Date and place of birth not publicly available.
- Birth name: John Stewart
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Part of the Stewart family, owners of the four-generation catering company Thomas Fox and Sons
- Known for: Co-founding Black Pig Meat Co. and Zazu Kitchen + Farm, expertise in charcuterie and sustainable pork farming. Being chef Duskie Estes husband
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Duskie Estes
- Children: Information not publicly available.
- Education: University of Colorado at Boulder (1990); Studied salumi at the University of Iowa Meat Lab
- Occupation: Chef, Restaurateur, Salumist, Farmer
- Net Worth: N/A
- Source of wealth: Culinary ventures, including Black Pig Meat Co. and Zazu Kitchen + Farm
Early & Family Life
John Stewart was born in Mt. Kisco, New York, and grew up immersed in the food industry.
His family owned Thomas Fox and Sons, a catering company that had been passed down for four generations since its founding in 1919.
This upbringing exposed him to the world of hospitality and culinary arts from a young age, shaping his future in the industry.
Education
Stewart attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating in 1990.
His passion for charcuterie led him to further study meat processing and salumi at the University of Iowa Meat Lab.
Career and Achievements
John Stewart’s culinary career took off as he honed his skills in charcuterie and butchery.
He eventually moved to Seattle, where his wife, Duskie Estes, was the chef at Palace Kitchen.
During this time, Estes was named Seattle’s Best Chef (2000) and Palace Kitchen was ranked one of Gourmet magazine’s Top 20 restaurants.
Zazu Kitchen + Farm
Stewart and his wife Estes later relocated to Sonoma County, California, where they co-founded Zazu Kitchen + Farm.
The restaurant quickly gained recognition for its farm-driven cuisine, winning numerous accolades:
- Named a Top 10 Best New Restaurant
- Included in the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants for multiple years
- Featured in the Michelin Guide for over a decade
- Top 50 Restaurants in the Bay Area (San Francisco Magazine)
- Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives
Unfortunately, Zazu was lost in the Russian River floods of 2019, but their food truck, The Black Piglet, continues to operate and serves high-quality locally sourced meals.
Black Pig Meat Co.
Chef Duskie Estes and her husband John Stewart founded Black Pig Meat Co., a company specializing in ethically raised heritage breed pork.
Their Prop 12-compliant bacon is one of the only ones on the market raised without antibiotics or hormones, allowing pigs to roam freely on small, family-owned farms.
Their unique dry-curing process sets their bacon apart:
- Cured for up to 21 days with brown sugar
- Slow-smoked over applewood for 12 hours
- A perfect balance of salt, sweet, and smoke
Black Pig Meat Co. has won multiple awards, including:
- Good Food Awards (2017 & 2019) for Black Pig Coppa & Prosciutto
- King & Queen of Pork at Grand Cochon (Aspen Food & Wine, 2011)
Their products, including bacon caramel popcorn (Rodeo Jacks), chicharrón peanut butter cups (Swine Sweets), and bacon toffee lollipops (Piggy Pop), are sold on BlackPigMeatCo.com and in ethical grocers.
Marriage & Family Life
John Stewart is married to Duskie Estes, a celebrated chef, author, and television personality known for her appearances on The Next Iron Chef (Seasons 3 & 5) and Guy’s Grocery Games.
They share a passion for sustainable farming and ethical meat production, running their farm in Sonoma County, where they raise pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, sheep and goats.
Personal Life and Interests
John Stewart is passionate about sustainable farming and takes great pride in raising animals ethically.
He believes in responsible agriculture and ensuring that every part of the animal is used, following a true snout-to-tail philosophy.
As an avid salumist, he has developed deep knowledge of traditional meat curing techniques, refining his craft through years of experience and study. His expertise in charcuterie sets Black Pig Meat Co. apart, producing some of the finest cured meats in the industry.
John is a strong advocate for ethical meat production and small-scale farming.
Duskie Estes and her husband John Stewart work closely with small, family-run farms that respect the land and animals, ensuring humane treatment and top-quality products.
Beyond the business, he loves working on the farm and experimenting with new culinary creations.
Whether it’s perfecting a new dry-curing method or crafting a unique pork-based treat, his passion for food and sustainability continues to drive his work.
Fun Facts
- John Stewart and his wife Duskie Estes were crowned King & Queen of Pork at the Grand Cochon (2011)
- Their food truck, The Black Piglet, still operates today
- Zazu Kitchen + Farm was lost in the Russian River floods of 2019 but remains legendary in the California food scene
- Their bacon is one of the ONLY Prop 12-compliant bacons on the market
Conclusion
John Stewart’s journey from his family’s catering business to becoming a leading figure in ethical pork production and sustainable cuisine is truly inspiring.
His dedication to farm-to-table dining, high-quality charcuterie, and humane farming continues to shape the future of the food industry.
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