Awards & Recognition
★James Beard Award Best Chef: Great Lakes 2015
★Food & Wine Best New Chef 2010
★StarChefs Rust Belt Rising Star Award 2016
★Restaurant Hospitality Rising Star Chef Award
★GAYOT Rising Star Chef Award
★Esquire Best New Restaurants runner-up 2014 (Trentina)
★Bon Appétit Best New Restaurant 2009 (Greenhouse Tavern)
Notable Facts
→James Beard Award winner (2015) - highest honor in culinary industry
→Chef/Owner of multiple acclaimed restaurants including Trentina, Greenhouse Tavern, Noodlecat
→Currently Chef Partner at Kindling Downtown in Chicago's Willis Tower
→Author of two cookbooks: 'Noodlekids Cookbook' and 'House of Vinegar'
→Regular Food Network personality on Tournament of Champions, Chopped, Bobby Flay's Triple Threat
→Won Food Network's '24 in 24: Last Chef Standing' Season 2
→Worked with Michael Symon and Charlie Palmer early in career
→Previously operated restaurants in Cleveland before moving to Chicago