Private Chef/Chef Instructor
Brendan McDermott
Chicago, IL
Chef Brendan started his culinary career working for high end restaurants in NYC. As a saucier, pastry chef, line cook & executive chef- he has truly worked his way through the entire kitchen, in one of the most esteemed culinary cities in the world. Through working in professional kitchens, Brendan realized that teaching & mentoring was his true passion. He began working at the Institute of Culinary Education as a Chef Instructor and after 5 years- made the move to Chicago to teach at Kendall College. Here he met Chef Austin Yancey and they began to work together. Now, Brendan is a preferred & trusted private chef for Elite Personal Chefs.
Professional Background
Peter Kump (Institute of Culinary Education)
Over 25 years of experience in kitchens
New York Magazine Best Cooking Class 2010
ServSafe Cserified
Food Safety Manager
ServSafe Allergens
Availability Click to expand
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Fun Facts
Meet Brendan McDermott
Where are you from?
Originally from New York City, lived in the Bay Area for a while and moved to Chicago 10 years ago.
What is your favorite restaurant?
That's a hard one. After so many years in high end restaurants, I enjoy the small family owned restaurants that usually make food that i don't prepare at home myself. If I had to pick one, Community in Portage Park is a great neighborhood place and very professional.
What’s your favorite thing to cook for yourself?
It changes, but I love grilling and making bread. Making sourdough bread is always great. Once I have fresh bread in the house, I make sandwiches (my personal favorite food delivery system, ha). I love sandwiches!
Do you have a cooking/ service specialty or a focus?
I loved being a saucier and making sauces. Stocks and slow braising is something that I find very fulfilling, but I became a Chef Instructor to learn multiple techniques and cuisines. I love learning new styles of cooking and always looking for something new.
Why did you want to be a chef?
Food to me is an important part of being a family and community. It's a way to take care of yourself and others around you. I enjoy being in kitchens and love making people happy with food.
If you’re not in the kitchen- what are some of your hobbies & interests?
Cooking, collecting and listening to music on vinyl, hand forging knives and spending time with my family.
Why do you enjoy working for Elite Personal Chefs?
EPC allows Chefs to do what they are great at and still have a quality of life, work balance.
What do you love about the Private Chef Lifestyle?
Being a Private Chef has allowed me to cook for people on a personal level. When someone lets you into their home to cook for them, and to work with them to create food that fits their needs, tastes and lifestyle, it’s a great feeling.