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Hi, I’m Chef Tristan.
Tristan Kao

I create bold, ingredient-driven menus inspired by Italian craft and Southeast Asian flavor—tailored to your tastes, schedule, and dietary needs.

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I craft custom, flavor-forward dining experiences that feel personal and effortless.

I’ve spent 18 years in the kitchen, and I’m a Le Cordon Bleu Chicago graduate. My background spans independent restaurants as well as casinos and hotels, which taught me how to deliver both creativity and consistency at a high level.

I love working with Italian and Southeast Asian flavors, and I’m especially drawn to Southeast Asian, Latin, and Central American profiles. I’m always happy to build a custom menu around your requests, and I can adapt dishes for dietary restrictions and allergies without sacrificing satisfaction.

Cooking is what I’ve wanted to do my entire life—and it’s my favorite way to express my creativity and passion.

Here’s what I bring to your table—every time.

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I cook with creativity and purpose

Cooking is what I’ve wanted to do my entire life, and it’s the best way for me to express my creativity and passion—so every menu I design is intentional, personal, and full of flavor.

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I’m trained and seasoned by real kitchens

I learned my craft at Le Cordon Bleu and sharpened it through experiences with Delaware North Companies Casino's and Brazen Open Kitchen Bar, building the range to cook across styles while staying precise and organized.

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I let ingredients lead the dish

My “secret” is simple: I let the integrity of the dish stay true to the ingredients, so flavors stay clean, balanced, and honest from the first bite to the last.

Stories and Testimonials