We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Lash and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Never compromise. Sage is built on a set of core values. “Deliver EXCELLENCE at every turn. Show RESPECT in everything we do. Express GRATITUDE at all times. Walk with INTEGRITY. LOVE what you do, and do it with LOVE.”
These values set the bar very high for everything we do and we don’t compromise them. This insures that every dish we create is of the highest quality, every guest leaves feeling respected, each employee feels appreciated, and we don’t cut corners. Because we don’t compromise on these values, our guests feel it from the time they step through the doors until they leave and our team members are driven to deliver their best work – every time!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My story begins as a dishwasher at a chain steakhouse when I was in high school. I chose to be a dishwasher because I didn’t want to wear a collared shirt and deal with people. Immediately, I fell in love with the organized chaos of the commercial kitchen. One day I was putting clean plates away near the line and the cook – who was in the weeds – asked me to jump in to help him. He talked me through garnishing the baked potatoes on the plates. I loved it!

From there I began working in various kitchens, and over the years, I began to work my way up the ranks in some of the top kitchens in the Atlanta area. While I loved the work, I struggled with the lifestyle and as I started a family I felt the pull for something more “normal”.

Eventually, I retired from cooking and pursued a career in Information Technology. Even though I was very successful, my heart remained in the kitchen and I would often pick up side gigs.

In 2019, my tech career came to an end rather unexpectedly. Looking for something to do (and generate a bit of income), I offered to some friends an in-home dinner party. The concept being that I would go to their home and cook a restaurant quality meal for them and their friends. That kicked off what would quickly become a very promising private chef business.

I fell in love with cooking all over again and though there were a number of challenges – namely starting such a business during the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic – the business became very successful and I developed an outstanding reputation.

After contracting COVID in 2021 and being hospitalized, I realized I didn’t have a Plan B. I was out of work for several weeks as I recovered. As a one man operation, it was quite simple – if I didn’t work, I didn’t get paid, and so I began thinking about a brick and mortar. After losing my father – my biggest supporter and fan – in January 2022, I began the search that took me to Andrews, NC and thus the space that is Sage.

My food is best described as “inspired American cuisine” combining fine dining with local influence inspired by his extensive travel, passion for the outdoors, and hunger for understanding culture. My mother was born and raised in Knoxville TN and though I moved around a bit when I was younger, I was raised on Southern Cooking. I really enjoy taking my mom’s old recipes and putting an upscale twist on them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We are nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, completely surrounded by some of the best hiking, kayaking, and trout fishing in the United States! You can’t come here without getting outdoors and enjoying the mountains!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father, my best friend, my biggest fan – Jon W. Lash

Website: http://sageandrewsnc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sage.andrewsnc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sage.AndrewsNC

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sage-andrews

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwUv51IDK9lQ1s0oVfjbamw

Image Credits
https://wentzekphoto.com/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.