biographies: executive chef

Christopher Tong, Executive Chef

Christopher Tong is the owner of My Private Chef, the elegant Chicago-based private chef and gourmet dining service.

Chef Tong has been creating distinctive contemporary continental and French cuisine for more than twenty five years. German born, he began his career in the Apprenticeship Program at Hotel Jagerhof in Luneburg, Germany.

In 1982, he was sponsored by Chicago's Mayfair Regent Hotel's award-winning restaurant, Ciel Blue, to come to the U.S. to join their culinary team. Since then, Christopher's talents have given him the opportunity to work at prestigious establishments around the U.S., including The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California and the Walt Disney Swan Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The opening of the Disney Swan Hotel involved a party for more than 3,000 guests. Now he has adapted these impressive skills to the world of private entertaining.

Celebrities from the world of entertainment and sports have feasted on Chris' fine cuisine. Some notable clients are Michael J. Fox (his wedding), Michael Jordan, Nancy Reagan, Cher, and the King of Jordan. Chris also served teams in the NBA, NFL, and NHL, as well as NASCAR drivers.

My Private Chef is enjoying great popularity in Chicago. As a result, Chef Tong has been invited to give cooking classes and demonstrations on local television, at Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture Store, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Gilda's Club Chicago, Whole Foods, Chicago Botanic Garden and the Dominick's Cooking Corner at the Taste of Chicago.

Chef Tong was named one of the top 100 Chefs in Chicago and received the 2000 Gold Medal Award by the American Tasting Institute. He is a member of the James Beard Foundation. He is now teaching two advanced classes in the Culinary Arts Program at St. Augustine College.