Head Chef Justin Hirshfield and 1914 House closing

Justin Hirshfield is the well-loved head chef at 1914 House restaurant. As the upscale eatery in Niwot prepares to close, Hirschfield expressed his gratitude for people who helped him become the chef he is today and reflected on his tenure at the popular dinner venue. He shared thoughts on his future inside and outside of the kitchen.

Hirshfield is the kind of person who treats you like a friend the moment you are introduced. He shares his life story freely and finds joy in his relationships. He adjusted more readily than most would have to his need to use a wheelchair following a dirt bike accident 23 years ago.

Hirshfield generously and genuinely expresses appreciation for the people who have led to his success as a chef. Hirshfield said that as a teenager, "I was not a troublemaker, but I was undisciplined. I found that (discipline) in the kitchen." Each of his former managers helped him develop his skill set and he has remained close to each of them.

He has worked in Longmont and Niwot for three family-owned food-related establishments for his entire career. He has had longer tenures than many chefs: six years at the former well-loved Italian restaurant Laudisio's in Boulder, twelve years at Niwot Market, and six years at 1914 House.

As a student working part time, Hirshfield started as a volunteer at Laudisio's and quickly became such a valued member of the team that the owner, Antonio Laudisio, sent him to Italy for culinary training. At age 23, he became the head chef, which was a remarkable achievement. Hirshfield said, "I came of age (as a chef) there."

Hirshfield next moved to the Niwot Market. He worked closely with the late Bert Steele and helped to expand the offerings to include the café, catering, and popular Friday night dinners. In tribute to Steele, Hirshfield said that he was "the most generous person I ever met and gave everyone a shot [at success]."

When 1914 House was ready to open, a mutual friend introduced Hirshfield to Nick Mastronardi. Hirshfield was impressed with Mastronardi, a first-time restaurateur. Mastronardi had a wonderful vision and a workable plan for the beautifully renovated space that proved to Hirshfield that he had done his homework. What was scheduled to be a 20-minute discussion lasted much longer.

Hirshfield remained at Niwot Market full time and added part-time work at 1914 House. Some evenings, Mastronardi, Hirshfield and another employee did food prep together, using recipes that had been hung from a line for the trio to work from. When orders came in too quickly Mastronardi told Hirshfield to "just make it as you like."

Hirshfield and the Mastronardi family became close friends. They will undoubtedly remain so.

When the doors of 1914 House close at the end of the evening on July 7, what will Hirshfield's next professional step be? Clearly, he loves being a chef. Even on his days off he enjoys preparing meals at home.

Hirshfield's reputation is such that people have suggested he open his own restaurant, possibly with financial backing from others in the community. While he enjoyed hearing how much he is appreciated, he does not think that is a realistic option. However, with a smile, Hirshfield said, "never say never."

Hirshfield has not firmed up his next career move, but he is engaged in serious conversations with the operator of the Ironwood Bar and Grille. The full-service restaurant and community gathering space is under construction. Located at Flatirons Golf Course, it is scheduled to open this summer.

After the dirt bike accident which left him partially paralyzed, Hirshfield relied on his natural optimism to adjust to his new reality. He looked toward the future and had a very strong and specific reason to move forward as quickly as possible. His first child was due just a few months later.

Becoming a full-time, hands-on father was one of the best things that ever happened to Hirshfield. He loved being with Ariel from the beginning and said that although she is now an adult, they are still close. He added, "I must have done something right."

Hirshfield also has a passion that developed over the past several years, which he hopes will offer more opportunities in the future. Before his accident Hirshfield was a strong athlete. During the past seven or eight years he has received grants to participate in adaptive skiing and adaptive motorsports. He loves the freedom of being an outdoor adventurer.

Last year, Hirshfield was one of several mentors sponsored by the High Fives Foundation to work with others who were learning adaptive skiing. Most were adjusting to recent life-changing injuries. As a person whose injury occurred more than two decades ago, Hirshfield provides encouragement to those who need to see that, in his words, "This doesn't mean your life is over. I'm having fun. Work with what you've got."

He has helped adaptive sports organizations with fundraisers. Although he claims that he is not a public speaker, he said, "I never have problems telling my story." In fact, the purple lights he has added to his wheelchair invite others, especially children, to ask questions. He is always eager to talk.