Our Story
My passion for cooking began at a young age playing with pots and pans while my grandmother cooked. I remember she would always start cooking dinner at 11am, even if it was just spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. She showed her love to others through the food she made and passed that same passion down to me. As a teenager I enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen by creating new dishes and preparing food for my whole family. In high school I competed in national cooking competitions, won multiple culinary scholarship awards, and proceeded to attend the Art Institute of Minneapolis' culinary program. I have training and experience as a banquet chef under an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef at the Doubletree Hotel in Minneapolis, MN. After visiting friends and family in the Brainerd Lakes Area on multiple occasions, my wife of 8 years, 4-year-old son, and I relocated to the area in 2017 to make this our permanent home.
Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, hosting an intimate dinner or a large gathering for a special occasion, I truly believe food brings people together. I established Up North Eats so that you don't have to worry about anything other than making memories with your friends and family in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Every event we execute is unique. I will personally work with you to ensure your event is one-of-a-kind and exactly what you've imagined.
~Jesse Ruttger, Owner