Meet Chris Braun
A curious, kind-hearted soul who’s built a life around connection, culinary passion, and the joys of sharing a good meal.
Where She’s From:
Chris was born in Colorado Springs, CO, but her childhood stretched across the map — Georgia, the Carolinas, Cincinnati, and the D.C. area — thanks to her father’s work in the Department of Energy (formerly the Atomic Energy Commission). After completing her undergrad in Computer Science at Brown and a Master’s at the University of Toronto, Chris ultimately settled in North Carolina.
How She Found Sitka Seafood Market:
An ad on Facebook sparked her curiosity over five years ago — around the start of the pandemic — and Chris became a member when she realized we offer something few others did not: direct, honest access to premium wild-caught fish. “They had me at halibut,” she says with a laugh.
More Than Just Fish — Finding Community
Chris is an active and deeply valued voice in Salmonsharesians, our private Facebook group. After the loss of her husband, she found comfort and connection among fellow members.
“This group became a lifeline,” Chris shares. “I don’t post in other groups, but this one is different — everyone here feels like dinner with friends.” She’s especially fond of members like Bill Kochuk, Sue Fettes, and Patrick Howell, with whom she shares stories, recipes, and wine pairings.
From Curious Cook to Full-On Fish Devotee
Since joining Sitka, Chris has become a dedicated pescatarian, with wild-caught fish at the heart of nearly every meal. “I eat almost exclusively Sitka seafood — it’s just that good,” she says. Even when dining out, she gravitates toward sushi, shrimp, and ocean-fresh flavors.
Favorite species?
“All salmon is divine,” Chris says. “But king salmon is king! I also love Copper River sockeye and sablefish — yes, I know it’s a polarizing fish, but I’m a sablefish lover!”
On Wine, Pairings & Passion
Chris’s wine journey began at a local shop in suburban Boston, where tastings with winemakers and sommeliers sparked a deep appreciation. She joined the American Wine Society, became a national member, and led her local chapter for 10 years.
Her wine rack today features mostly Chardonnay, and she’s a loyal fan of WTSO.com and the Wall Street Journal Wine Club. Recently, she tried a pét-nat (pétillant naturel), a cloudy, fizzy wine that wasn’t her favorite — but she’s always open to new sips, especially recommendations from fellow Sitka Seafood members like Bill Kochuk.
Chris and her partner in wine, member Bill Kochuck at lunch
Sustainability With a Soul
For Chris, the story behind the seafood is just as important as the flavor on the plate.“It means everything to know who caught it, where it came from, and that my purchase helps fishing families support their own.”
That value extends beyond fish. She supports a local winery through a monthly half-case membership and seeks out sustainable producers wherever she can.
A Taste of Alaska, a Slice of Belonging
Chris isn’t just a member of Sitka Seafood Market — she’s a vital thread in the tapestry that makes our community so rich and meaningful. Her table is a place where love, adventure, and seafood come together. And her story reminds us that sometimes, a simple box of wild-caught fish can open the door to deeper connection.
Want to become a member like Chris? Visit our website and check out all of our amazing products. And while you're at it, join our FaceBook group Sitka Salmonsharesians. You'll be glad you did.
Grace Parisi
Culinary Director Grace Parisi is a cook, writer and cookbook author. Formerly the Senior Test Kitchen Editor at Food & Wine Magazine and Executive Food Director at TimeInc Books, her work has appeared in Cooking Light, Health, O Magazine, Epicurious, Fitness, Today, Serious Eats, Martha Stewart, and many more. She’s the author of more than 6 books, among them The Portlandia Cookbook and Get Saucy, which was nominated for a James Beard award for Best Single Subject Cookbook.
