Meet the Chef Behind the Cards
Restaurant-quality cooking, made accessible at home.
David Wiederholt
My journey in the kitchen started at The Culinary Institute of America, where I trained alongside some of the most passionate and disciplined cooks in the country. From day one, I fell in love with the craft — the precision, the creativity, and the way a great meal can bring people together.
After graduating, I spent years cooking in some of the most respected kitchens on the East Coast. I worked at Union Square Cafe in New York, honed my skills at Stephen Starr restaurants in Philadelphia, and cooked at The Capital Grille. I had the honor of cooking at the James Beard House — a milestone that every chef dreams about.
Along the way, I won first place at the Philly Burger Brawl, competing against some of the city's best. It was a reminder that great food doesn't have to be complicated — it just has to be made with care and the right techniques.
That idea is at the heart of The Recipe Letter. After years in professional kitchens, I wanted to share what I've learned with home cooks who care about eating well. Every recipe card I create is built on the same foundations I learned in fine dining: proper technique, quality ingredients, and flavors that actually work together.
The difference is that these recipes are designed for your kitchen, not a restaurant line. No brigade required — just you, good ingredients, and a beautifully printed folding card that walks you through every step.
The Philosophy
I believe that everyone deserves to eat restaurant-quality food at home. Not the kind that requires a sous vide circulator and 47 ingredients — the kind that makes you close your eyes and say, “I made this?”
Each Recipe Letter pairs a food recipe with a cocktail, printed on blue-lined cardstock that folds into a pocket — sealed with a wax stamp and delivered in a kraft envelope. Technique tips are right there on the inside fold, so you understand not just what to do, but why — because once you understand the technique, you can cook anything. No app, no screens. Just real cards you'll cook from and collect forever.
Ready to Cook?
Join The Recipe Letter and start cooking restaurant-quality meals at home.
Subscribe Now