Chefs Off the Clock

Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning Chef Carrie Nahabedian (Naha, closed until fall; Brindille) has visited 75 countries, principalities and islands. She says journeys have helped her elevate her cooking. Often times she finds ways to give back to people in other countries through philanthropy and mentoring.

Five years ago, Chef Mychael Bonner (Saranello’s, Petterino’s, Di Pescara, Ivy Room at Tree Studios) took up cycling to improve his physical health. What he didn’t realize was that biking would have a mental payoff. Mychael says he experiences calming moments when he focuses on pedaling and getting to the next destination. Last summer he rode from Orland Park to Indianapolis.

Growing up, Tony Priolo had two passions: cooking and playing baseball. To this day, both remain close to his heart. As chef and co-owner of three Chicago restaurants (Piccolo Sogno, Nonnina, Maillard Tavern), Tony loves pleasing people with food… while baseball feeds his soul. For the past twelve years, Tony has been playing with the Braves in the Midwest Suburban League.

Born in Mexico, Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan (Mexique, now closed) spent time on the Pacific coast, where he learned to scuba dive at 17 years old. He grew up foraging for seaweed along the shore, lobster on reefs and tiny regional shrimp. He is passionate about protecting the reefs for future generations.

Chef Won Kim’s childhood obsession with graffiti has become an even greater expression of art in different media. His artwork has been showcased in galleries, decorates the walls in private businesses and even appears on the dinnerware at his hip Bridgeport counter service, Kimski.

When Chef Sarah Stegner (Prairie Grass Café) turned 50, she decided she wanted to explore an activity that would challenger her and expand her world outside of the kitchen. Sarah decided on Latin dance, Bachata style, signed up for dance lessons, and immersed herself in the culture.

It’s hard to picture Chef Rick Gresh at rest. When he’s not overseeing culinary operations at AceBounce and Flight Club, Rick somehow finds the time to express himself in handmade wood and leather products. Rick’s beautiful handcrafted kitchen and restaurant products are sought after by many Chicago chefs.

Chef Zoë Schor (Split-Rail) finds peace when she’s near a body of water. In her rare spare time, she relishes her time on the water in her dad’s sailboat. She attended the summer sailing program at Belmont Harbor and finds being on Lake Michigan incredibly relaxing.

In 2016, Molly Svec opened Spilt Milk in Oak Park to rave reviews. As pastry chef/co-owner of this bustling business, Molly stays grounded by making the time to unwind in nature. One of her favorite activities is hiking through the forest and shoreline near her parents’ home in Three Oaks, Michigan.

Chef Carolina Diaz calls her role at Terzo Piano restaurant in the Art Institute of Chicago her dream job. She says tying the artistic element to food is what fuels her creative soul. In order to de-stress from the demands of the high-profile restaurant, she swims laps and uses the time to meditate.