Chef Ashish Alfred
is a second generation Indian-American, killer chef and overall badass, who takes food way more seriously than he takes himself.
Chef Ashish Alfred, owner of the Alfred Restaurant Group, trained at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, then honed his skills in some of New York City’s best kitchens before launching his wildly successful restaurants in Maryland and Washington D.C.
The Maryland Restaurant Association Chef of the Year winner and Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipient takes culinary risks that delight customers and critics alike. Recently dubbed a “tastemaker” by Baltimore Magazine, Alfred is grounded by his classical French discipline yet skillfully fuses cross-cultural flavors into soulful cooking.
Crowd Pleaser
A popular guest with the media, Chef Alfred has been featured on CBS Saturday Morning’s The Dish, had been profiled by NBC’s TODAY Show, The Washington Post and Baltimore Magazine.
His energetic personality and infections enthusiasm made him a memorable participant on Food Network’s The Kitchen, Cutthroat Kitchen and Chopped.
He also held a command performance at the prestigious James Beard House, where he prepared a multi-course dinner for a sold-out audience.
Serial Restaurateur
His original Duck Duck Goose restaurant in Bethesda was named one of the top ten “Favorite New Restaurant’s” by Bethesda Magazine and “Best Restaurant in Maryland” by Southern Living Magazine.
Alfred has since transformed the Duck Duck Goose fine-dining experience in Bethesda into his casual new Good Ducking Burger — a carefully crafted culinary shift that tells a story of resilience, innovation and love for one’s roots. Duck Duck Goose’s Dupont Circle location has also been converted into the casual burger bistro during lunch hours Tuesday through Sunday, while remaining a fine-dining experience in the evenings.
He continues to offer fine dining in Baltimore’s historic Fells Point neighborhood at Duck Duck Goose (honored by Baltimore Magazine as one of Charm City’s Best Restaurants and Best French Restaurant of 2024), Osteria Pirata and Anchor bar.
Commitment & Community
No stranger to struggle in his own life, Alfred makes mental health and well-being a top priority for himself and his employees. That he successfully steered his company through the pandemic (a time when many restaurants succumbed to closures) speaks volumes about his commitment, dedication, and integrity.
The Alfred Restaurant Group regularly partners with local nonprofit organizations like Partnership Development Group, Johns Hopkins, and more, providing food, services and support to help solve hunger and raise awareness for this in need, particularly those struggling with their mental health.