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What gives flavor to my craft

is more than ingredients. It is the spirit of sustainability, the pursuit of excellence, and the embrace of diversity. These values are shaped by the love of my family, the strength of collaboration, and the discipline of dedication. Together, they transform each dish into a reflection of both who I am and what I stand for.
Chef Kapernaros family card picture

Family

My family is my rock, the roots of my past and future combined in the present. Family is my faith, my dedication, my patience, my love and understanding. My family is who recharges me after my long days.

Chef Kapernaros team work card picture

Team Work

The best cooks in the world do not succeed alone. Teamwork is what characterizes me as a Chef. I lead my team with respect and integrity with the goal to create an environment for growth and success. As a Chef, your team is your eyes, your hands, and even your second family.

Chef Kapernaros hard work card picture

Dedication

As I left for culinary school, my dad told me, “Show them who you are and let your hard work and ethics speak for you.” For 25 years, those words have driven me through long hours, missed family moments, and time away from my wife and children. This dedication has opened doors to work with incredible chefs and gain invaluable experience that money can’t buy.

Career Highlights

Embarking on a culinary journey filled with passion and creativity.
Each of the following milestones reflects my dedication to culinary excellence.

2025
Chicago Gourmet Rise and Shine Guest Chef
Board Member of Chicago Chefs Cook
2024
Winner of Beat Bobby Flay
Appearance on Chopped
Chicago Chefs Cook Book
2023
Chicago Gourmet - Guest Chef
Avli on the Park - Michelin Guide Honoree
Chicago Chefs Cook for Earthquake Relief at Avli on the Park
Guest Celebrity Chef at the Chicago Bears Stadium
Created summer menu for American Airlines premium cabin flights from Chicago O’Hare to Europe
Member of the Chicago Chefs Cook Organization
Member of the James Beard Foundation
Member of the American Culinary Federation
2021
Member of the Chicago Chefs Cook Organization 2021
2018
Americas Finals - Good Taste Series (Award for Excellence) - HYATT, representing Hyatt Regency Chicago
1st Place - Good Taste Series Competition (Award for Excellence) - HYATT Midwest Regional Round
2016
Head Chef - Annual International Distributors Congress for Coca-Cola
Head Chef for Princess Lalla Meryem HRH of Morocco during her stay at Grand Resort Lagonissi
Ongoing / Undated
Head Chef for celebrities including Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Depeche Mode, Scorpions, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Kendall Jenner, Tim Allen, José Andrés
Hosted The Economist Roundtable with the Government of Greece × 4
Worked under Michelin chefs Jerome Serres, Edgar Bovier, Reto Lampart, Yiannis Baxevanis, Denio Bruci
Member of the Chef’s Club of Greece
Member of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies