#LTG Interviews: Chef Chris Koetke & the James Beard Awards

On May 4th, Chicago had the honor of hosting the 25th Anniversary of the prestigious James Beard Awards at the opulent Lyric Opera House of Chicago.

As the day began to set, the stars came out to dine.

Celebrated as the Oscars of the Food Industry, the glittering opera house boasted of distinguished chefs.

The event was historic and has unarguably left the culinary world abuzz. For starters, this marks first time the event has ever been presented in Chicago, after calling NYC home for the past 24 years. After the overwhelming response to the emboldened move, the J.B.F. Awards will return to the Windy City in 2016 and 2017.

Through the elegance and glamor of the event, this year’s master of ceremonies, Alton Brown, serenaded the crowd with a creative, new take on a classic. While the awards were passed out, past winners prepared for the gala. Who better to cater the James Beard Awards than the bearers of such honor? The night concluded with after-parties speckled throughout the city of Chicago. It was an unforgettable evening graced with familiar faces and names, and of course, filled to the brim with the best in fine dining.

Prior to the James Beard Foundation Awards, Living the Gourmet had the pleasure of speaking with Chef Chris Koetke, Vice President of Culinary Arts at Kendall College & Host of Let’s Dish, about this exciting night of culinary stars.

Enjoy our chat with Chef Koetke as we discuss this year’s “hottest trends” in dining and hospitality, and check out the 2015 recipients of the J.B.F. Awards.

Chef Chris Koetke - Vice President of the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, TV Host of 'Let's Dish' on the Live Well Network, and co-author of The Culinary Professional (Goodheart-Willcox Publishers, 2010). — Chef Chris Koetke – Vice President of the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, TV Host of ‘Let’s Dish’ on the Live Well Network, and co-author of The Culinary Professional (Goodheart-Willcox Publishers, 2010).

Thank you to Chef Chris Koetke and his team for chatting with Living the Gourmet!

Comments

Nee says

07/05/2015 at 1:50 pm

Hi Catherine , what an honor to chat with Chef Chris Koetke , we are so very proud of you , one day you will be giving out awards . Bet all my cyber bucks on you . Thanks for sharing . ;-D Nee :)

Comedy Plus says

07/05/2015 at 3:37 pm

You are famous. Famous I tell you. Have a fabulous day my friend. Big hugs. ♥♥♥

allie@Through Her Looking Glass says

07/05/2015 at 4:24 pm

Catherine, I loved every bit of this post and meeting Chris Koetke. I agree with Nee, you'll be handing out the awards. You have my vote. XO

Ginny Hartzler says

07/05/2015 at 5:04 pm

So you were there and got this interview? I am impressed! You are always hanging out with famous food people and chefs, so you must be one as well!

Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says

08/05/2015 at 6:30 pm

Dear Catherine, I am behind again, but wow, what a wonderful post and interview! I loved this interview with Chef Chris Koetke. He was very clear and the questions you asked were an array of important topics for today's world. I was surprised to hear about the 3 trends Punch Bowl, (like you my mom used her cut crystal all the time), who knew sides dishes like carrots would be front and center, and Ramen Noodles? I was surprised that he keep in touch with Julia Child at the age of 15...I do not know much about this chef, but now I want to read more about him. Fabulous interview again, and thank you for taking us to Chicago and The James Beard Awards...Thanks for sharing, Have a blessed weekend.... Dottie :)