A St. Louis native, Chef Joseph R. Gardner, known to many as Chef Joe, brings over two decades of culinary expertise to Panorama. His journey began in the heart of St. Louis' Italian dining scene, washing dishes and flipping pizzas before moving on to hone his craft in kitchens across the country—from Alaska to Florida.
His true passion ignited at Old Warson Country Club under the mentorship of Chef Aidan Murphy, where he built a foundation of excellence that shaped his career. His dedication to the joy and craft of cooking has kept him an active member of the American Culinary Federation for more than two decades. Over the years, Chef Joe has worked with some of St. Louis’ finest chefs, earned accolades in professional ACF Culinary Competitions, coached for the ACF Knowledge Bowl Team, and served on the St. Louis Chefs de Cuisine Board.
Now, as he embarks on this exciting new chapter, Chef Joe is eager to bring his passion, experience, and creativity to Panorama. Supported by his wife Jamie, their three children, and their beloved spaniel, Sunny, he looks forward to making a lasting impact on the culinary experience at The Saint Louis Art Museum.