Alisha Elenz

HOMETOWN: Palatine, IL
CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chicago, IL
OCCUPATION/PROFESSION: Private chef

Born in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Alisha Elenz is a two-time James Beard-nominated chef and the 2019 recipient of the Jean Banchet for Rising Chef of the Year. Using her background in preparing Spanish cuisine, Alisha specializes in Mediterranean flavors. She has been working in the restaurant industry for 12 years and quickly rose up in the ranks at a young age by becoming an Executive Chef at 23. Nowadays, she’s running her own private chef and events company, "Whisk the Night Away,” where she creates a full restaurant experience in the comfort of your own space. She’s known for using a simple approach to creating complex flavors that you wouldn’t normally expect to see together.