Amarys Koenig Herndon

She/her/hers

Years of Participation

2022-2023

Amarys Koenig Herndon is chef and owner of Palm&Pine, a New Orleans restaurant featuring the cuisines and culinary traditions of “the South and south of that” (Louisiana, the southern states, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America). In this role, Amarys works alongside her husband, Chef Jordan Herndon, to lead the kitchen and set the tone for the restaurant’s unique concept.

Born in Houston, TX, and raised in New Braunfels, TX, Amarys’ true passion for the culinary world began at an early age baking homemade goods to raise money to attend summer camp. She later worked as a hostess and server in the restaurant her family owned. Amarys moved to New Orleans at 19 to earn her Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from Delgado Culinary School and officially entered the Culinary world. Prior to opening Palm&Pine, Amarys gained experience in several acclaimed New Orleans kitchens including Arnaud’s and Bayona, in addition to running her own pop-up concept, The Old Portage. Amarys and Jordan opened Palm&Pine in New Orleans’ French Quarter in the summer of 2019.

When not in the restaurant, Amarys enjoys spending time with her dog Jr. and husband Jordan, exploring the New Orleans dining scene, biking and hiking.