Chef Stephen brings over 30 years of culinary experience to McHenry County and around Illinois. He had his first kitchen job when he was 14 in the Skylon Hotel, Dublin, Ireland, which ignited a flare and passion for cooking, leading him to work in some of the top restaurants and with the best chefs in his hometown Dublin as well as Galway (Ireland), Canada, and Australia.
As a Chef with an enjoyable successful career, he has been lucky enough to have worked under some talented chefs such as Michelin star Chef Ultan Cooke in Ballynahinch Castle, Galway, Shay McFadden, Ciaran Cunningham, Ray Kersh of Edna's Table in Sydney, and Paul Lewis of The Old Schoolhouse.
He has worked in a range of kitchens and has experience in many different aspects of the catering industry, from fine dining to corporate catering, cafes, health food restaurants, Asian/Italian fusion restaurant, hotels and bars, festivals, food stalls and trucks.
Relocating to Illinois in 2016, he has now set up a personal chef company, Odes of Food, bringing his worldwide culinary experience and vast knowledge of many cuisines to the people of McHenry County and far beyond.
This culinary perspective can be seen in the food he prepares for his weekly clients or in the much-loved dinner parties he hosts in the homes of people looking for that high-end restaurant experience.
Stephen is also a fitness freak and uses his knowledge of healthy food and nutrition to help keep himself and his family fit in mind and body. He is an avid organic gardener and uses his homegrown produce in the food for his clients.
He is also a writer and has written an award-winning poetry book, edited an anthology called The Tuesday Nights, and contributed recipes and articles to This is Galway.
So, whether you are in need of a weekly meal plan, some meal prep, an intimate dinner, a small dinner party, or event, an educational cooking class, or want to learn how to cook and eat healthier; let chef Stephen inspire and invigorate you with his knowledge, love, and passion for food, right in your home.