Marianne Sundquist is a Santa Fe based chef, recipe developer, and culinary consultant who believes food is one of our most powerful connectors. Classically trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York City, she has spent more than two decades cooking in restaurants, developing recipes, and helping teams translate great ingredients into memorable meals.

After graduating in 2003, Marianne worked in restaurants in Minneapolis and Chicago. In 2009, Time Out Chicago named her one of the “12 Most Important Chefs Right Now”.

Alongside her work in restaurant kitchens, Marianne developed a specialty in consulting— helping clients and teams curate menus, develop recipes, and build the systems and logistics that allow kitchens to run smoothly from day one. 

Today, through her work as the founder of STOKLI and High Desert Table, Marianne shares her passion for seasonal and accessible cooking and ingredients. Her approach is through a lens of hospitality, exploring ways to celebrate food as utility, art, and connection.  

She cooks for private events and also writes a weekly food column for the Santa Fe New Mexican, sharing seasonal recipes and stories from life in the high desert. Marianne lives in Santa Fe with her husband, their two boys, and their adopted dog, Saturn.

From the Ward Eight ownership team (Best New Bar Nominee / Chicago)

“We couldn’t have opened the bar without you. Your food is thoughtful, beautiful, and always perfectly balanced. Beyond the cooking, the professionalism and depth of what you provided — from curated lists to opening logistics — was invaluable. You are a consummate professional and immensely talented. We learned so much from you and are deeply grateful you helped us open to rave reviews.”