Born in rural California and raised in rural New Jersey, chef Justin Smillie has long been inspired by the rugged elements of the great outdoors, from camping and fly-fishing to foraging for wild ingredients. It’s a mentality that informs the approach at Upland, his hit collaboration with Stephen Starr. The restaurant, with locations in both New York City and Miami, showcases Smillie’s California roots and rustic culinary sensibilities while paying homage to the culinary influences that shaped his point of view.
