Her culinary journey began in the kitchens of her grandmothers, including one who was a school lunch lady back when everything was made from scratch. She honed her craft early, spending high school afternoons teaching classmates in the Home Ec room and cooking omelets on the brunch line at a local hotel.
After graduating top of her class from Le Cordon Bleu Chicago, Kate built an impressive résumé from working alongside Michelin-starred chefs to serving as Sous Chef at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, where she catered a luncheon for the Obamas. She’s also cooked for celebrities including John Stamos, Anne Burrell, Mario Batali, Geena Davis, and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Kate’s style is defined by a sharp sense of humor, a love of the fast-paced “dance” of service, and a deep appreciation for quality ingredients, whether locally sourced or from far-off places. She’s been featured in Chicago Magazine for her carrot cake with coconut cream cheese frosting, highlighted in Cap Times Madison for her work as a woman chef, and has participated in numerous charity events, from Meals on Wheels Chicago to mentoring young culinary talents.
When she’s not in the kitchen, Kate can be found tending her garden, foraging mushrooms, or plotting her dream culinary tour through Spain, Italy, and Greece. A multi-talented creative, she can mix vinyl, play several instruments, and spin a great story from her years in kitchens across the country. Her philosophy? In her own words: “Only time will tell.”
Whether foraging mushrooms, tending her thriving herb garden, or spinning four vinyl records at once, Kate’s creativity extends well beyond the kitchen. Known for her humor, hustle, and love for “the dance” of service, she treats every client as though they’re a guest in her own home because to her, that’s exactly what they are.