CHRISTIAN SIA
Born and raised in Singapore, Chef Christian Sia's culinary journey began in some of the city's finest establishments, including the top-rated Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar and the prestigious Jaan Par Andre. He later ventured to Chicago to pursue culinary studies at Kendall College before honing his skills in restaurants across Atlanta and Charlotte.
In 2013, Christian returned to Chicago to work at the Michelin-starred Moto Restaurant until the unforeseen closure before heading to Palm Springs, California, where he led the team at the renowned L’ Horizon Resort & Spa. There, he spearheaded the successful openings of Glitch Bar & Arcade and Infusion Beach Club in 2019.
In 2022, Christian joined The Press Room as the Restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, showcasing his passion for food and cultural fusion. His culinary expertise and leadership experience have culminated in his latest venture, Jook Sing, promising an exciting new chapter in his culinary career.
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Food Photo by DLM Photography
KRISTINE SUBIDO
Kristine Subido is the chef and owner of Pecking Order in Chicago, where she puts a playful spin on the Filipino food of her youth. She was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to Chicago at age 9.
Subido opened Pecking Order in 2012 with her mother, Melinda, after a decade-long tenure as executive chef at the Mediterranean-inspired Wave restaurant in the Chicago W Lakeshore, where she became known for her global approach to cooking and affinity for spices and big, punchy flavors.
JEREMY LOYA
Experience Chef with a passion for creating memorable experiences through food!
I hail from eastern Arizona with a Sonoran cooking influence, and began my culinary journey in Chicago at Kendall College. My career started at the Michelin starred Toplobampo with celebrity Chef Rick Bayless and then Gather, a Lincoln Square staple. I later ventured to Los Angeles, where I achieved the role of Chef de Cuisine at The Arthur J in Manhattan Beach, earning recognition as one of the 2018 "100 Best Restaurants in America." I then assumed leadership at the group's flagship, MBPOST. I served as Chef de Cuisine at the Desert Mountain Club, ranked among the "Top 20 Country Clubs in America." Returning to Chicago, I became the Executive Chef at Soho House and later the Chef de Cuisine at the globally nominated Monarch in Dallas. I bring my fervor for food and creating memorable experiences to my clients.
KEALAN MCGLADE
Kealan McGlade was raised in Racine, Wisconsin and moved to Chicago to attend school at the Illinois Institute of Art. After completing his Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts in 2011, he trained at Old Town Social as well as Nellcote. Following this, Kealan began working at Boka Restaurant under Executive Chef Giuseppe Tentori. Given his willingness to learn, work ethic, and appreciation of food he quickly progressed. At the end of his tenure at Boka in 2015, he had grown into a proficient Chef de Partie under Executive Chef Lee Wolen.For the past 18 months Chef McGlade has been Sous Chef of the Berkshire Room. He is eager to work with Executive Chef Chris Davies in his role as Executive Sous Chef at the Fifty/50 Restaurant Group’s newest project Steadfast, opening Spring 2016. He has a great investment in sustainable, local sourcing, and utilization of the whole animal in his cooking.
MEREDITH LARKE
Meredith Larke started cooking at the age of 9 when her father started a barbecue catering company in 1994. Growing up in the family business alongside her parents has given her a great work ethic and a wonderful outlet to learn as much as possible and embrace her curious, creative personality. Meredith went to culinary school in North Dallas, majoring in culinary arts and restaurant management. After several years of managing restaurants in the Dallas area the family catering company evolved and became Rear of the Steer restaurant in Omaha, Texas. Her love and fascination in fine dining and competition pastry led her to Chicago to attend the French Pastry School. Upon graduating at the top of her class, Meredith has worked for several of Chicago’s finest including Genie Kwon, Sarah Jordan, Meg Galus, Mike Sheerin, and Paul Virant to name a few.
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Food Photo by DLM Photography