Rethinking Edibility: Flavor, Function & Folklore in Mushroom Cookery

What makes a mushroom “good to eat” – and who gets to decide? Join chef and mushroom enthusiast Chad Hyatt as he explores the often-overlooked nuances behind mushroom edibility and culinary use. From challenging conventional wisdom to rethinking flavor pairings, Chad will share insights that go beyond safety and into the art of cooking with wild fungi. Expect a fresh take on how we judge, prepare, and celebrate mushrooms in the kitchen.

Chad Hyatt is an expert forager and classically trained chef who has made a name for himself in northern California and beyond, sharing his delicious spin on wild mushroom cookery. He has cooked in a variety of restaurants and private clubs around the San Francisco Bay area. Chad can often be found foraging for mushrooms, putting on wild mushroom-themed dinners, teaching mushroom-related classes, and attending mushroom festivals around the United States. He is passionate about cooking approachable comfort food based on local, seasonal ingredients, and, of course, wild mushrooms.