Our next guest is the Executive Chef and Partner of Perilla Fare and Steakhouse. Andy opens up about not being Korean enough or American enough and how he ultimately found his voice as a person and as a Chef. He was initially tapped as a consultant for the space that is now known as Perilla Fare. That relationship evolved into becoming the Executive Chef and Partner. Recognizing the importance of complementary strengths, Andy brought on Thomas Oh as Partner and General Manager to handle the Front of House operations. It’s so cool to see the success they’re having with both Fare and Steakhouse as well as the new handroll bar, Noriko, helmed in part by his brother Billy, which is beneath Perilla Fare. Please enjoy my conversation with Andrew Lim.

https://perillachicago.com

https://instagram.com/andrewjlim

https://instagram.com/perillafare

https://instagram.com/perillasteak

Our next guest is the Executive Chef and Owner of Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern and Packaged Goods, as well as Migos Fine Foods. He has successfully embedded southern comfort food into Chicago. We reflect on his journey from New Orleans to Miami and eventually landing in Chicago. We discuss the current state of the hospitality industry in Chicago as well as his long term goals that expand beyond being a chef. Brian is down to earth and generous. Please enjoy my conversation with Brian Jupiter.

https://www.migoschicago.com/

https://www.thefrontierchicago.com/

https://www.inamaetavern.com/

Our next guest traded eleven years at three Michelin-starred Alinea for something money can't buy: balance, agency, and intimacy. Simon Davies discovered this new path immediately after leaving Chicago's temple of molecular gastronomy as Executive Chef in January 2020, when he traveled to Jaipur, India for a project with Champagne house Krug. What started as a consulting venture, Ilixr Creative evolved into an exclusive private dining experience driven by organic demand from clients seeking something beyond the traditional restaurant model.

Simon embodies an intriguing duality—calm and measured, with unexpected flashes of playfulness that emerge in his work. I've witnessed this firsthand at his pop-ups at Verve Wine, where he's served elevated burgers alongside fine Burgundy—a delightful contradiction that perfectly captures his approach to hospitality. After more than a decade perfecting his craft in one of the world's most demanding kitchens, Simon has found his own voice in the intimate theater of private dining.

Please enjoy my conversation with Simon Davies, a chef who chose connection over convention.

https://www.ilixrcreative.com

https://www.instagram.com/ilixrcreative/

https://www.instagram.com/simon.a.davies