Christopher Tong, Executive Chef

Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive contemporary continental and french cuisine for more than twenty 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 country including the Walt Disney Swan Hotel in Orlando, Florida and The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel in California.

He returned to Chicago in the early 90's, where he worked at Riva Restaurant at Navy Pier. He has also served as the Executive Chef at the Sutton Place Hotel, and, most recently, at the Palmer House Hilton.

Celebrities from the world of entertainment and sports have feasted on Chris' fine cuisine. Some notables are Michael J. Fox (his wedding), Michael Jordan, Nancy Reagan, Cher and the Prince of Jordan. Chris also served teams in the NBA, NFL and NHL. One event he remembers fondly was the 1985 Chicago Bears Superbowl Champion Reunion Dinner at Riva Restaurant in 1995.

Christopher was named one of the top 100 Chefs in Chicago and received the 2000 Gold Medal Award by the American Tasting Institute. In his free time, he is involved with the Culinary Internship Program at St. Augustine College and appears at the Cooking Corner at the Taste of Chicago.

Michele Mach, Assistant Chef

Michele started working as a private chef in 1982, creating a broad spectrum of contemporary cuisine. She has prepared everything from daily meals for clients throughout Chicago's fabled Gold Coast neighborhood to private parties all over the Chicago area. Her culinary interest focuses on vegetarian and organic creations.

A culinary specialist operating in the realm of six degrees of separation, Michele has cooked for Kevin Bacon's child's godmother, Arnold Schwarzenegger's wardrobe designer, Eddie Jemison from Ocean's 11 & 12 and Oprah Winfrey's publicist.

Michele currently cooks for private parties while balancing her full-time career as a graphic designer/senior art director in promotional marketing.