Eric Bogardus: Chef/Owner

Chef Eric Bogardus grew up in Springfield, Illinois. At an age when most kids gravitated towards cartoons, Bogardus nurtured a passion for food through his curiosity for cooking shows and the family kitchen. Bogardus received a degree in Cultural Anthropology from Southern Illinois University while spending several years honing his kitchen skills, learning everything from bread making to kosher cuisine.

Bogardus' love of culture and food inspired his extensive travels to Mexico, Canada, Egypt, France, Costa Rica, Thailand, England, Denmark, Germany, Italy and South America, shaping his palate along the way.

Bogardus was determined to learn from the best and began his career in Boston at the critically acclaimed Pignoli, where he spent six years as Chef de Cuisine cooking alongside his culinary idols Danieli Baliani, Susan Regis, and Lydia Shire. Pignoli was voted #1 Restaurant in Boston by Food and Wine Magazine during his time there.

From Pignoli, Bogardus, worked as Executive Sous Chef at Locke Ober, under the guidance of Master French Chef Jacky Robert.   At Locke Ober, the restaurant received numerous accolades, including an induction into Boston Magazine's Hall of Fame for Best Restaurant and a feature in Saveur Magazine. Bogardus's next culinary stop was Lucy's in Brookline, a neighborhood favorite known for complex, flavorful food without the use of butter or cream. Always one to embrace a challenge, Bogardus rose to the occasion, wowing customers and press alike with features in Boston Magazine, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Forbes Traveler, Improper Bostonian, Boston Phoenix and Stuff@Night.

In 2005, Bogardus became Executive Chef at Vox Populi, a popular downtown Boston hot spot, creating an American Bistro menu with ethnic overtones. Bogardus was also nominated for and became one of five finalist candidates for consideration as White House Chef.

Among Bogardus's continuing and growing accolades he was recently published in Clara Silverstein's book "Boston Chefs Table: The Best in Contemporary Cuisine."

With the opening of Citrio, a café, catering and gourmet food shop located in Newton Highlands, Bogardus fulfills his dream of owning his own business while highlighting his versatility and passion as one of Boston's best chefs.