Colette Nelson spent three seasons salmon fishing in the Gulf of Alaska. Realizing the enormity and grandeur of the sea; baiting hooks, hauling gear, running lines, and cooking in the galley, Nelson found great pleasure in knowing where her food came from. After traveling in Europe and living in Spain, she returned to Alaska to create beautiful and healthy Mediterranean cuisine with some of the world’s freshest and wildest seafood.
For 14 years Colette has been the Executive Chef and Owner of Ludvig's Bistro, a seafood restaurant specializing in Mediterranean flavors. Lauded by many, including The New York Times, the UK Guardian, Rachel Ray, The Miami Herald and Fodor's as a true a passion place, Colette receives much pleasure out of creating delicious food and making memories for her guests. She also has worked with the Sitka Conservation Society teaming up with the “Fish to Schools” program. Teaching children the importance of our sustainable seafood industry in Alaska and showing them how to process, cook and enjoy the Alaskan bounty, is an honor and a duty. Living on a island in Sitka, just minutes from forest and sea, she takes great pride in foraging local and exciting products for her menu.