CHEF'S BIO

Susan Eicholtz, Chef/Owner

Susan Eichholtz has always had a talent for cooking, but it did not parlay it into a career choice until the recent opening of Pearl Bistro.Susan, born in Indianapolis in 1961, spent a little over a decade working as a research biologist at the Indiana University Medical Center. She realized as the years went by she was gradually spending more of her off time thinking about the science of the kitchen, than the science of a laboratory.

Taking a chance on her dreams in 2004, Susan traded her lab coat for a chef’s coat and moved to Kentucky to train at Sullivan University’s National Center for Hospitality Studies in Louisville, KY.

Prior to returning to the Circle City, the budding culinary talent learned a few tricks of the trade working in Louisville’s revered Morris’ Deli.

Eager to be the top toque in her own establishment, Susan pondered launching her own restaurant for several years when a heart-wrenching experience in the spring of 2008 changed everything. Her beloved mother lost a heroic battle with cancer and prior to passing away urged her talented daughter to do what she truly wanted before it was too late. Pearl Bistro was conceived three months later and partially takes its name from the national symbol for lung cancer, a pearl awareness ribbon.

The scientist-turned-chef attended Purdue University, earning a degree in Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1993. Professional membership includes the Indiana Restaurant Association.

Susan currently resides in Indianapolis. Pearl Bistro is a family affair as her son can often be found assisting his mother in the kitchen while her sister welcomes guests in the Front of the House.