Mark Bitterman

Entrepreneur, Author & Salt Connoisseur

A leading expert on craft salt, chocolate and cocktail bitters, Mark Bitterman is a James Beard Award-winning author, food lover and world traveler. His first book, Salted: A Manifesto of the World’s Most Essential Mineral, was so influential it won a James Beard Award. He’s got salt on the brain, enough said. Mark’s worked with everyone in the culinary industry from top chefs to food manufacturers, home cooks to culinary institutes. His salty insight and expertise help get the best possible food in countless restaurants and stores. He’s been recognized as a Local Food Hero by Cooking Light and a Tastemaker in Food & Wine, and has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Esquire, and on All Things Considered, Bizarre Foods, History Channel and more.

In 2006, Mark founded The Meadow. As the culmination of nearly two decades eating and exploring through Europe, The Meadow is Portland’s gateway to craft salts, gourmet chocolates, handmade cocktail bitters and culinary insight. Through four more books, and three more Meadow locations—another in Portland, one in New York and Japan—Mark has created a bastion for hungry travelers and culinary enthusiasts alike.