KATINA CONNAUGHTON

Katina Connaughton is a farmer and floral designer focused on the realm of sustainable agriculture and fine dining. As the Owner, Head Farmer and Floral Designer at three-Michelin starred SingleThread in Healdsburg, California, she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at implementing and promoting regenerative agricultural practices. Her tireless dedication to restoring and enhancing Northern California's native habitats is indispensable for the preservation of the region's delicate ecosystem.

Under Katina's guidance, SingleThread Farm on Dry Creek has become a beacon of biodiversity, introducing a variety of flora and fauna to Sonoma County's vineyard areas. Her oversight of the farm's fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens, as well as its beehives and heritage breed chickens, showcases her dedication to holistic farming practices.

The recognition Katina and her husband, Chef Kyle Connaughton, have garnered speaks volumes about their dedication to both environmental stewardship and culinary excellence. The Michelin Guide's Green Star bestowed upon SingleThread in 2020 acknowledges their outstanding efforts in sustainable practices. Their inclusion in the 2024 Robb Report list of "The 50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining" underscores their sphere of influence.

Additionally, jointly receiving the 2024 Ethical Sustainability Award from La Liste showcases their commitment to ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Their impact extends beyond their restaurant, positively affecting the wider community and industry at large. Katina's background includes farming in Hokkaido Japan, England, and Sonoma wine country where she studied Horticulture and Sustainable Agriculture.

KYLE CONNAUGHTON

Kyle Connaughton is a chef, culinary educator, and cookbook author. His culinary background includes working in Los Angeles, Hokkaido, Japan, and Bray, England where he was the Head Chef of Research and Development for The Fat Duck. Alongside his wife, co-owner and farmer, Katina Connaughton, he opened SingleThread in Healdsburg, California, in December 2016.

Notably, SingleThread earned a prestigious four-star review from the San Francisco Chronicle upon opening and holds the distinction of being the first and only three Michelin-starred restaurant in Sonoma County. In 2018, SingleThread was honored with the "Miele One to Watch" Award by the World's 50 Best Restaurants.

The restaurant's commitment to gastronomic sustainability was recognized in 2020 when the Michelin Guide bestowed upon SingleThread the coveted Green Star, marking the guide's inaugural recognition of restaurants' sustainable practices. SingleThread has consistently ranked among the world's best restaurants, securing the 37th position in 2021 and the 50th in 2022 at the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards.

In November 2024, Kyle and Katina were recognized as #8 among “The 50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining” by the Robb Report. They were honored with the 2024 Ethical Sustainability Award by the French-based restaurant awards body La Liste for their exemplary dedication to ethical practices, sustainability, and social responsibility. When the Michelin Guide announced their inaugural hotel distinction awards in 2024, they recognized SingleThread Inn with 3 Keys, their highest accolade.

Kyle's work encompasses culinary education, as he co-developed the curriculum for The Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) Bachelor Degree in Culinary Science program as well as the first Master’s Degree in Culinary Arts and serves on its Board of Trustees. In December 2022, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the CIA for his significant contributions. Together with Katina and CEO Tony Greenberg, Kyle leads Vertice, a hospitality development and management company known for creating and operating award-winning hospitality environments. He is the co-author of the book "Donabe- Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot Cooking" and was a contributing editor to the series "Modernist Cuisine."