Meet the Culinary Team

Charles Haracz  |  Executive Chef

Been with Blue Plate since: 2021

Favorite Blue Plate event: LPZ Gala.

Favorite Blue Plate dish: Pan Seared Branzino, Lemon Fregola, Eggplant Mostarda, Sicilian Style Roasted Cauliflower, Purple Ninja Radish.

Fun Fact: My daughter and I go to the farmers market every Saturday, and we make lunch together with our fresh ingredients. We have a lot of fun cooking together, but it is difficult being critiqued by a two-year-old.

Carlos Chavez  |  Catering Sous Chef

Been with Blue Plate since: 2021

Favorite Blue Plate event: St. Ignatius 1000-person sit-down dinner plate-up.

Favorite Blue Plate dish: Cacio e Pepe Ravioli, 18 Month Aged Parmesan Reggiano, Spanish Sofrito, Chive Oil.

Fun Fact: I’ve cooked for President Barack Obama, Micheal Jordan, President Joe Biden, and Oprah Winfrey. Executed galas at the Lyric Opera House, Art Institute of Chicago, and Field Museum.

Edwin Cardoso  |  Business Dining & Delivery Sous Chef

Been with Blue Plate since: 2022

Favorite Blue Plate event: MHQ Employee Appreciation Day.

Favorite Blue Plate dish: 24-Hour Braised Short Rib, Chimichurri, Potato & Celeriac Purée, Charred Carrots, Aleppo Pepper Beef Jus.

Fun Fact: I performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival in High School and I play several different types of instruments.

Carlos DeLeon  | Executive Sous Chef

Been with Blue Plate since: 2023

Favorite Blue Plate event: Chicago Marathon.

Favorite Blue Plate dish: French Onion Eclair, 18 Month Aged Parmesan, Brunoise of Chives.

Fun Fact: I’ve worked the Kentucky Derby, US Open, Palm Springs-Indian Wells, Opened up the LA Forum, Dinner for Natalie Cole, and opened up several successful restaurants in Chicago as Executive Chef.

Pedro Gomez  |  Executive Pastry Chef

Been with Blue Plate since: 2023

Favorite Blue Plate event: Field Museum Auxillary Women’s Board 2023 Gala.

Favorite Blue Plate dish: Ginger Chocolate Truffles (Anything Chocolate).

Fun Fact: I love taking classic desserts & making them modern.