Chef Battle: Phillip Foss

Chef Battle: Phillip Foss
WBEZ
Chef Battle: Phillip Foss
WBEZ

Chef Battle: Phillip Foss

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Chef Phillip Foss first wanted to become a chef around the time he learned to make grilled cheese.

Foss liked the nostalgic feel of comfort food and how it could remind people of their childhood. Grilled cheese fit the bill. “It was a revelation for me when I learned how to make it,” Foss said.

That themed has carried on through his cooking and restaurant, which is “about making connections with people.”

Foss is now chef and owner of EL Ideas, which earned a Michelin star in 2013. He’s cooked for presidents, celebrities, and a pope.

“When you can bring people back to a different place in their life through flavors, you’re just winning,” Foss said. “That’s the ultimate goal as a chef.”

Chef Phillip Foss will be competing in WBEZ’s 10th Annual Chicago Chef Battle.