September 5, 2025
Join host Greg Boulos on this engaging episode of The Boulos Beat for an in-depth conversation with Chef Harding Lee Smith, a renowned Portland-based chef and restaurateur.
Chef Smith shares his remarkable journey, from his introduction to the restaurant industry at the age of seven to his formal training at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Together, they explore the vision, inspiration, and challenges behind Smith’s five celebrated establishments: The Front Room, The Corner Room, The Grill Room, The Mountain Room, and The Last Run Room.
The discussion also delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, persistent staffing challenges, and the complexities of rising operational costs. Looking to the future, Chef Smith reveals his exciting plans for a new restaurant in Bethel.