Chef Council Program

– Chef Spotlight –

John Staniszewski

John Staniszewski, a dedicated mycologist and co-owner of Windy City Mushroom, has long been passionate about fungi's potential in revolutionizing nutrition. With over a decade of experience as a fitness and nutrition coach, he recognized the untapped potential of mushrooms as affordable superfoods. Co-founding FUNGItarian Food,

John embarked on a mission to bring locally sourced, nutrient-rich mushrooms to the masses. Alongside him is Matt Lopez, Windy City Mushroom's head mycologist and co-founder of FUNGItarian Food. Matt's background as a former chef adds a unique culinary perspective to their endeavor, ensuring that their products not only pack a nutritional punch but also delight the taste buds of their customers. Together, they are on a journey to redefine the way people perceive and consume mushrooms, making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for all.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Josh Almanza

Chef Josh Almanza brings his passion for French and Italian cuisine, sustainable urban mushroom farming, and over 20 years of experience to Common Threads. As a culinary expert and educator, Josh inspires children, families, and communities to embrace healthy cooking, mindful eating, and the celebration of diverse culinary traditions. His unique blend of interests, from hiking and gaming to cultivating delicious food, makes Josh invaluable in Common Threads' mission to promote food as medicine and weave healthier, more connected communities.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Dwyane Lightfoot

CPS Chef Council introduces Chef Dwyane Lightfoot – an accomplished leader in the culinary field with over 11 years of experience, having graduated from Le Cordon Bleu and received a Culinary degree. Post-graduation, he gained experience working with Levy Restaurants and was eventually promoted to Sous Chef. During his time at Levy, he supported events including the Kentucky Derby, NASCAR Cup Series, and Grand Slams. Dwyane also served as a personal chef for the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. In his downtime, he likes to watch sports, spend time with family, and teach his daughter the art of cooking, as she desires to become a chef herself. Chef Lightfoot shared fundamental details about the CPS scratch cooking program and transitioned into a live demonstration of the delicious chicken sandwich. Watch the demonstration and get the recipe below.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Rafael Perez

Chef Rafael Perez conducted an engaging Chef Council event at Richcards Career Academy High School on October 30th. In this interactive session, Chef Perez skillfully demonstrated the preparation of Alfredo Pasta Primavera, captivating both the 40 students present and those joining virtually. Assisted by Chef Instructor Clemente Frye, the students immersed themselves in the pasta-making process, absorbing firsthand the nuances of this classic recipe. The event was not only entertaining but provided a unique, hands-on educational experience.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Javier Haro

Chef Javier Haro is the visionary founder of Food Hero in Chicago's Little Village. Established as a culinary school and food incubator, its mission is to intertwine food, health, and community well-being. In 2021, Haro unveiled Cocina Rx, delivering over 28,000 nutritious meals and tele-nutrition services to support low-income families. A Dominican University graduate with 12 hospitality certifications, Haro is also honing his expertise at Harvard Medical School's culinary medicine program. Beyond Food Hero, he contributes to various food and community initiatives in Chicago. For a deeper dive into his achievements and to access his mouth-watering Grilled Pineapple Salsa recipe, click the button below.

Take a look back at our 2022-2023 Chef Council Program

 
 

Local Chicago Chefs Develop Nutritious
and Delicious Meals for CPS Students

It’s not just called the “Chef” Council because chefs are on it — the acronym “CHEF” embodies the council’s goal of Creating Healthy and Exciting Food for students. They do this by coming up with fun ways to serve locally sourced food in CPS lunchrooms, being community liaisons for healthy eating at home, and engaging students through recipes and cooking classes.

Founded in 2019, the Chef Council is made up of local food professionals, from well-known chefs running Chicago’s best restaurants to professional culinary educators and non-profit partners. Together with our local food providers, they’re experts in finding new and creative ways to get kids excited about eating well.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Enrique Cortés

Starting with a Hospitality Management degree from the University of Sonora, Mexico, Chef Enrique Cortés has spent his career specializing in Latino cuisine. He honed his craft in various roles across San Diego and Chicago, including Tapas Picasso Restaurant and Ann Sather Restaurants. In 2019, he developed the menu for De Colores Mexican restaurant, and since 2020, he's been creating innovative Mexican-Spanish dishes and beverages, featuring mezcal as a central ingredient.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Gloria Hafer

On Tuesday, April 18, Chicago Public Schools held a culinary demonstration in partnership with the non-profit organization After School Matters. Chef Gloria Hafer, Chef Instructor at After School Matters, prepared a CPS favorite, Mac & Cheese! 

CPS students and their Chef Instructors followed along in preparing the dish as Chef Hafer also provided interesting history and fun facts about the famous dish. She also provided additional ways to prepare the dish by adding other healthy elements like broccoli and other vegetables. 

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Athena Travis

Chef Athenia Travis' love for food began at a young age when she helped her mother and grandmother make caramel cakes. In high school, her teacher Darlene Austin encouraged her to compete in the C-Cap competition, which led to a scholarship to Sullivan College. After graduation, Chef Travis worked for Lettuce Entertainment and other catering companies in Chicago. With 24 years of experience, she currently teaches culinary at Southside Occupational Academy and has been with CPS for 21 years. In her free time, she enjoys baking, teaching youth cooking classes, hip hop dance, and swim lessons. Chef Travis recommends trying culinary as a career path due to its various opportunities.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef David Fuller

Chef David Fuller followed his childhood passion for food and turned it into a successful career. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Le Cordon Bleu Chicago. With 35 years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef Fuller now teaches as a culinary instructor for CPS at Chicago Vocational Arts High School, where he has been for 20 years. In 2012, Chef Fuller started his own manufacturing and training consultancy that focuses on healthy comfort food for retail and food service.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Gwen Maybin

Gwen Maybin is an immensely talented entrepreneur and Chef with a remarkable career. After graduating with high honors from Northeastern University with a degree in Special Education, she became a Chicago Public Schools teacher for over eight years. She then left that profession to pursue her passion for baking and become a Chef at a vegan food company, where she quickly rose to the role of Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. In 1987, Gwen started Coffee, Tea & Me with an “I can do spirit” and soon achieved success, with over nine hundred thousand dollars in sales from a single product in the first year. Her Healthy Menu Solutions have since produced satisfied customers, including public schools, hospitals, daycares, senior cares, restaurants, and the military, servicing nine European and Asian countries.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Dwyane Lightfoot

CPS Chef Council introduces Chef Dwyane Lightfoot – an accomplished leader in the culinary field with over 11 years of experience, having graduated from Le Cordon Bleu and received a Culinary degree. Post-graduation, he gained experience working with Levy Restaurants and was eventually promoted to Sous Chef. During his time at Levy, he supported events including the Kentucky Derby, NASCAR Cup Series, and Grand Slams. Dwyane also served as a personal chef for the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. In his downtime, he likes to watch sports, spend time with family, and teach his daughter the art of cooking, as she desires to become a chef herself. Chef Dwyane shares his Garlic Wreath Bread recipe in the link below.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Wook Kang

Chef Wook Kang, Executive Director and Culinary Program Chair for Kendall College at National Louis University, shared his experience in becoming a chef and his deep knowledge of Korean cuisine. Chef Kang provided students and chef instructors with an overview of Korean cuisine and described some of his favorite dishes at a Chef Council event on November 10th. He discussed the American influence on Korean cuisine in the United States and shared his personal story of how this mix of cultures has shaped his cooking and led to modifications in some of his recipes.

– Chef Spotlight –

Chef Yuri Hevia
and Chef Jazer Syed

Chef Yuri Hevia and Chef Jazer Syed work for Common Threads, a national nonprofit that provides children and families with cooking and nutrition education to encourage healthy habits that contribute to wellness. Watch their demonstration for making classic black beans and rice, an easy and delicious recipe that is full of flavor, nutrition and tradition. In addition to watching the video demonstrations, you can also download the recipe card - all are linked below.