Top Atlanta Chefs at the Visionary Dinner
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Gregg Brickman Wolfgang Puck catering Gregg is Executive Chef for Wolfgang Puck Catering at the Georgia Aquarium. Prior to Atlanta, Gregg was responsible for training a culinary team of 51 for Wolfgang Puck in Los Angeles and was sous chef at Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago restaurant. A Boston native, Gregg earned his degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales. |
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Kevin Gillespie Woodfire Grill Kevin is Executive Chef and Partner of Woodfire Grill. A native of Atlanta he began his culinary education at the Art Institute of Atlanta. He held positions at several well known Atlanta restaurants prior to Woodfire Grill. Kevin’s culinary commitments include increasing the usage of local products and making seasonal dishes more exciting. Kevin held a spot on Bravo’s series “Top Chef” and was one of this season’s final three ‘chef-testants’ and was voted ‘fan favorite’ by show viewers. |
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Eli Kirshtein An Atlanta native, Eli started his culinary career, at the age of 16, as a cook at Buckhead Diner under Chef Kevin Rathbun. Eli continued working at Atlanta restaurants before leaving for New York and the Culinary Institute of America. After school, Eli spent time in some of the country’s best kitchens. He then returned to Atlanta to serve as sous chef at One Midtown Kitchen. His most recent Atlanta venture was as Executive Chef at ENO. Eli was a ‘chef-testant’ on this season’s “Top Chef.” |
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Gerry Klaskala Aria Gerry Klaskala is a New York native long transplanted to the South. During his well lauded career, Jerry worked in Boston and Savannah. He left the coast for Atlanta and a position with the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group and was at the helm of the Buckhead Dinner. Gerry’s career as chef and restaurant owner began in 1995 when he opened Canoe. He opened Aria in 2000 where he is chef and owner. Gerry is a recognized and respected voice on the national dining scene. |
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Mary Moore Cooks Warehouse As founder and CEO of The Cook’s Warehouse, Mary has combined her love of cooking and business. The Cook’s Warehouse, with 3 locations, is Atlanta’s premier gourmet store and cooking school. Prior to opening Cook’s Warehouse, Mary managed kitchens and cooked at award winning Atlanta restaurants. She also served as the director of research and development for Harry’s Farmers Market. Mary frequently shares her culinary experience through the media making television appearances in Atlanta and writing for various Atlanta based publications. |
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Butch Raphael |
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Hector Santiago Pura Vida Hector is a native of Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a business degree before following his interest in cooking and attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After his schooling, Hector’s career was launched in New York City. When Hector moved to Atlanta, his initial work was with the Peasant Restaurant Group. As his passion for international cuisine rose, so did his desire to introduce Atlanta to Latino ingredients. To do this, Hector and his wife Leslie open Pura Vida. As a tapas restaurant, Pura Vida is the perfect way for Hector to express his creativity and highlight Latino cuisine. Hector was another of this season’s ‘chef-testants on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” |
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Information: Ruth Ann Rosenberg, 404-604-3595