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Maryland’s Best Chef Partner of the Year Award 2026
Congratulations to Chef Matthew Lego of
Leo Annapolis! Chef Matthew Lego’s deep Maryland roots are apparent in the representation of Mid-Atlantic ingredients in his dishes on the Leo menu. Despite having a non-traditional culinary background, his love of cooking is lifelong. Whether it was learning how to can in his grandmother’s kitchen, or baking dozens of Christmas cookies with his mom, he loves broadening his culinary knowledge in every way possible. His creativity and new approaches to food and drink shone through in his cocktail recipes, often using fresh ingredients from local makers. On the plate, he hopes to highlight the hard work and unique flavors from local farms and purveyors and deepen the roots of our community. Chef Matt has previously won the Governor’s Buy Local Cookout in 2025, the Crab Soup Cook-off in 2025 and is a regular participant in the True Blue program dedicated to serving Maryland crab meat. Matt works closely with his farm and seafood vendors and is a great advocate for Maryland’s Best!
What is the award?
Maryland’s Best Partner of the Year Award recognizes the dedication of an individual who is using local Maryland products, from seafood to produce to dairy and beyond. This individual has consistently demonstrated that their craft is inspired by the farmers and watermen in Maryland, and their commitment to telling the real and local stories behind food. Acknowledging that sourcing local food year-round can have its challenges, this person or group makes it a mission to source local products whenever possible and highlights them in whatever ways they can – through menus, social media, and training of the servers. This person’s restaurant or organization is also a member of the Maryland’s Best program through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and proudly displays the logo and is an active member in marketing campaigns. The work this person or organization does is a win for all of Maryland seafood and agriculture and makes a difference for our farmers and watermen by supporting local jobs and stimulating the local and state economy.
You do NOT need to be a member of RAM to participate.
Check back in early 2027 to apply for next year’s award!
Maryland’s Best Chef Partner of the Year Award 2025
Congrats to Chef 
Jason of Silver Queen Café! Originally from Carroll County, Jason has always had an appreciation of Maryland cuisine and local foods. Beginning his career as a chef 15 years ago, Jason, now a resident of Baltimore City, is the proud owner of the Silver Queen Cafe where he focuses on seasonal, local dishes and products that highlight the best of Maryland. Jason is also a partner in the department’s True Blue program, dedicated to serving at least 75 percent or more Maryland crabmeat in his restaurant year-round and he participated in the annual Governor Moore’s Buy Local Cookout in 2024. Jason sources Chesapeake wild-caught blue catfish, a non-native species in the Bay, produce from local farmers market, Chesapeake Farm to Table, and beef from Roseda Farms.
Silver Queen Cafe has won multiple awards including “Best Brunch” in Baltimore in the Baltimore Magazine’s reader’s poll, “Best Crab Pizza” in the Baltimore Magazine Reader’s Poll, and Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Get Brunch in the Country. Silver Queen Cafe is open Wednesday through Sunday and reservations are suggested.
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