From Ranch to Ribeye: Chef Kathleen Crook’s Wild Ride to Culinary Stardom

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In this episode of The Real Santa Fe, Bunny sits down with one of Santa Fe’s most beloved chefs — and one of her dearest friends — Kathleen “Kat” Crook, executive chef and owner of Market Steer Steakhouse. Recently named to the James Beard Foundation’s TasteTwenty list, Kat is taking her rodeo grit, sustainable mindset, and culinary passion to the national stage.

But before she was serving up green chile mussels and reinventing happy hour in Santa Fe, Kat was a world champion roper managing 350 head of cattle on her family’s ranch in Artesia, New Mexico. We talk about her wild leap from ranch life to culinary school, the surprising moment that changed everything, and how she’s built a downtown steakhouse that feels like home — with food that’s anything but ordinary.

You’ll hear:

• How a windy night and an Emeril Lagasse cookbook sparked a whole new life
• The journey from rodeo circuit to fine dining kitchens in Dallas and Aspen
• What makes Market Steer’s beef and vibe truly different
• How Santa Fe’s culinary scene is evolving — and where it’s going next
• Why the James Beard recognition means so much (and what’s coming this November)

Oh, and did we mention caviar Frito pie?

This is one of those stories that will leave you inspired, hungry, and maybe ready to take your own big leap.

📍Market Steer is now located at 213 Washington Ave. in downtown Santa Fe — and trust us, you’ll want to make a reservation.

Market Steer Website: https://marketsteersteakhouse.com/

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Original Music by: Kene Terry