Chef Samir Mohammad

Chef Samir Mohammad brings his inspired ideas, world-influenced palette and passionate energy to the kitchen of The Village Cork. 

Born in Florida and raised in Taos, NM, Samir grew up in a family of “foodies”, including parents owning restaurants in both CO and NM, and a James Beard award-winning uncle, who he truly respects as one of his greatest influences in becoming a chef.  Chef Samir began his restaurant career in a greasy spoon at the young age of 13. He enjoyed growing up and working within the artistic and community-oriented small town of Taos, where farmers’ markets, gardens and orchards reigned as a primary source of ingredients among the many wonderful eateries. 

At 17, Samir joined the U.S. Coast Guard where his travels were far-flung: from the bottom of Fiji to the edges of Russia. Seeing the world influenced his cooking style greatly, with the “combat cooking” style he learned in Samoa, to the appreciation of fresh seafood he acquired in Alaska. His 4 years in the Coast Guard also afforded him the opportunity to attend Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco, followed by multiple culinary awards on his resident ship, and ultimately a degree in Dietary Nutrition from CIA Greystone in Napa, CA. Yet even with his prestigious training, he credits his return to Taos and work with his uncle at the famed Joseph’s Table as his most valuable piece of education. 

From Taos, Samir moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ, where he served as Executive Chef at the Nautical Beachfront Resort. It was here that he honed his skills in cooking for large groups. Yet the one thing missing was the ability to have a personal touch with the food, so he brought his talents to Colorado and within days became the Executive Chef at Pesce Fresco. Here, he was able to help build the business, and ultimately bring a loyal following with him to The Village Cork. 

Samir’s love for local, seasonal and organic ingredients truly sets his dishes apart. He relishes putting his own rustic twist on the classics, using farm-fresh ingredients as much as possible. He also enjoys educating people about food and loves the opportunity to bring people together while showcasing his knowledge each night in The Village Cork’s quaint, open kitchen. 

Whenever possible, Chef Mohammad is also found giving back to the community, especially as it pertains to childhood hunger. He has worked with organizations such as the Food Bank of the Rockies, Chefs up front, March of Dimes, and Soup for the Soul, among others. 

In his free time, Samir enjoys music, road trips, hiking, farmers markets, foraging the mountains for fresh ingredients and spending time with his loved ones!