Chef Nicholas Poulmentis
Picture this: a young boy on a small Greek island, fishing with his father, diving for octopuses, and cooking meals right on the beach as the smell of fresh oregano and fennel fills the air. This was the childhood of Chef Nicholas Poulmentis, now a celebrity chef, whose journey has taken him from the tranquil shores of Kythira to the bustling streets of New York City and beyond.
Chef Nicholas’ stint with the culinary world began long before he stepped into any kitchen. Growing up on Kythira, a small island with only 2500 residents, he learned early on the value of fresh, organic ingredients. His father, a nature enthusiast, would take him out on their small boat to fish and dive for octopuses, teaching him the importance of sourcing ingredients right from the land.
“We would gather salt from the island, pick oregano from the mountains, and use fennel right there, on the spot,” says Chef Nicholas. These formative experiences sparked his love for cooking, inspiring him to blend the flavors of his heritage with new techniques.
From Kythira to New York: The Big Leap
Leaving the serene beauty of the Greek island for the chaos of New York City wasn’t an easy decision. “It was very difficult,” admits Chef Nicholas, who moved with his wife and daughter during Greece’s economic crisis. Starting from scratch in the competitive New York culinary scene wasn’t a smooth ride. He began as a porter in a restaurant, cleaning dishes, but his determination led him to bigger opportunities. Within months, he was promoted and started creating his path.
“It was tough,” he reflects, “but every setback only made me stronger.”
However, Chef Nicholas didn’t settle for success behind the scenes. He went on to compete on Chopped, the iconic Food Network show, and walked away as a champion. "I didn’t expect to win," he admits, but he proved everyone wrong, beating out thousands of applicants. From there, he appeared on Bobby Flay’s Throwdown and Alex vs. America, among others.
His appearances catapulted him into the public eye, making him a familiar face on television. “Food Network has been incredible for my career. It gave me a platform to share my passion with a much wider audience.”
Cooking for the White House
One of the biggest moments of Chef Nicholas’ career was cooking at the White House. He was selected to represent Greek cuisine at a special dinner for President Barack Obama, alongside other top chefs. “It was the biggest experience of my life,” he says, reflecting on the honor of cooking in such a prestigious setting. “The pressure was immense, but the team at the White House made it all come together beautifully.”
This experience not only boosted his career but also deepened his connection to his roots. “It made me even more proud of where I come from and the flavors I represent.”
Today, Chef Nicholas is not just a television personality but also a corporate chef, a consultant, and a partner in the Egeo Hospitality Group. His second cookbook is on the way, and he continues to appear at major food festivals and collaborate with top chefs around the world. Despite his busy schedule, Chef Nicholas stays grounded. He starts every day at 5 a.m. with a workout, having transformed his lifestyle after a health scare that changed his perspective on life.
“My mornings are all about balance—gym, emails, planning my day,” he says. “After that, I dive into my restaurants and projects. It’s a lot of work, but I love it.”
What’s Next for Chef Nicholas?
With his second cookbook on the way, Chef Nicholas shows no signs of slowing down. He's also involved in Netflix series and major food festivals around the world. But no matter how much his career expands, his love for Greek cuisine remains at the core of everything he does. "I want to keep pushing the boundaries of Greek food while staying true to its roots," he says.
Chef Nicholas Poulmentis' journey is a perfect example of how passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to one's heritage can lead to remarkable success. From his humble beginnings on a small Greek island to his international acclaim, Chef Nicholas continues to inspire both seasoned and aspiring chefs alike.
