Inside The Leaf’s Kitchen: A Culinary Conversation with Chef Jeremy Crossmon

At The Leaf, we believe a great meal is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about creating moments of comfort, connection, and community through the experience of dining. Located in the heart of downtown Wooster, The Leaf was designed to be more than just a restaurant. It’s a warm, welcoming space where friends, families, and neighbors can gather, nourish their bodies, and renew their spirits.

A Small-Town Favorite with Big-Town Ambitions

Owners Jason and Samantha Stine have long been a part of Wooster’s restaurant scene, known for the success of GreenLeaf Restaurant and Drive-In. With The Leaf, they envisioned a place where the sophistication of city dining meets the intimacy and charm of a small-town eatery. From the décor to the service, every element of The Leaf feels personally crafted with intention and rooted in community.

Meet Executive Chef Jeremy Crossmon

The heartbeat of The Leaf’s kitchen is Executive Chef Jeremy Crossmon, a culinary artist with more than two decades of experience. For Jeremy, cooking is more than a profession, it’s a passion and a form of peace.

“Cooking brings me peace and joy,” he says. “I love creating dishes that excite the palate and showcase the diversity of world cuisines.”

Jeremy’s approach is fresh, bold, and inspired. He’s deeply influenced by Asian Fusion flavors and constantly driven by the changing seasons and the stories behind every ingredient.

A Menu That Evolves with the Seasons

One of the elements that sets The Leaf apart is its commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Working with partners like Blue Ribbon Seafood from Chesapeake Bay Harbor and Certified Angus Beef® (CAB), which happens to be headquartered right here in Wooster, Chef Jeremy curates menus that are both innovative and grounded in regional pride.

“CAB is America’s answer to Wagyu,” Jeremy explains. “And the fact that it's in our backyard makes it even more special. It’s not just beef—it’s quality, consistency, and something our community holds dear.”

Jeremy’s seasonal menus highlight everything from light, fresh dishes in the spring and summer to warm, comforting meals in the fall and winter. His signature Mahi Drunken Noodles is a vibrant dish that combines umami, salt, sweetness, and earthiness—an expression of his love for global flavors.

“We’re Branching Out”: A New Dinner Experience

The Leaf is expanding its dinner offerings in exciting new directions—an evolution that Chef Jeremy is especially passionate about.

“We’re branching out with new seafood features and hearty seasonal dishes,” he says. “There was a gap in downtown for dishes like risotto and fresh, unfrozen seafood. We’re excited to fill that space.”

With seafood sourced fresh and features that change based on availability, guests can always expect something new. Favorites like puttanesca, a bold Neapolitan dish once made by maids to lure sailors back to port, make appearances as seasonal inspirations shift.

This new dinner experience is about more than elevated ingredients—it’s about offering guests a richer, more dynamic way to connect with food. Whether it’s a slow-braised winter dish full of spice and warmth or a bright summer plate bursting with crisp vegetables, the evolving menu ensures there’s always something to delight the senses.

Why The Leaf?

When asked why he chose to be part of The Leaf, Jeremy doesn’t hesitate:

“The owners give us, as a culinary team, the freedom to express ourselves through food. I believed in Sam’s vision for what this space could be for downtown Wooster. It’s about more than just a meal—it’s about creating an experience.”

And that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Leaf: passion, purpose, and a place to call home. Whether you’re here for a cozy brunch, a handcrafted cocktail, or the exciting new dinner features, there’s a seat at the table for everyone.

Join us at The Leaf and discover the heart, soul, and flavor behind every dish. Make your reservation online or call us at 330-804-0126. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and seasonal updates.