Sunday, September 25
Food & Beverage Trends: Soul Food Demo
Chef Harris is most commonly recognized from his Food Network debut, as a competitor on “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Fans are still entertained watching Levatino cooking, while piled on a full size sofa wheeling around with other contestants, as he used only a keg of fire to cook and ultimately being judged by William Shatner. Possibly the craziest introduction into the life of a Food Network star, to now being seen on Family Food Showdown and Supermarket Stakeout.
Chef Harris began his culinary journey in 1997 at the upscale Berghoff restaurant located in Downtown Chicago that served a variety of food. After working there for 5 years, he moved on to Misericordia as the Head Dietary Chef. The Executive Chef at that time noticed his attention to detail not only with the taste of the food, but also his attention to detail in presentation. He pushed Levatino to go on to culinary school at The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC).
Before graduating from school, Levatino became a personal chef for a number of well-known celebrities. Chef Harris worked as a Chef/Instructor at Sinai Community Institute. He was the first, and only, chef to hold this position as this is the only program of its kind in the nation, and also where he was graciously awarded the “Innovative Chef of the Year” title for three consecutive years. The focus of the program has been to teach healthy alternatives and also how to cook these alternatives to WIC clients and affiliates of Sinai Hospital. International cuisine is a staple that is introduced on a monthly basis. He also continues to work as a personal chef.
Chef Harris has been seen and heard on Windy City Live, WVON1690, iHeartRadio, and many other outlets to discuss his culinary experiences while giving recipes and cooking advise. He has recently worked with the Chicago police departments, “Kids Cooking With Cops” program. Levatino has had the privilege of preparing meals for the likes of the mayor and the city council of Chicago. Adding to his list, the honor of being invited to Epcot Center at Walt Disney World, for the worlds largest wine and food festival. Recently he was even featured as a demonstration chef on the elite Bellavita stage at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago, and as guest chef at the Midwest Food Expo, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
While giving back to the community as a culinary instructor at the Micheal Barlow Center on the westside of Chicago, he can be found teaching culinary life skills to the formerly incarcerated population. Where they go through a basic and advanced culinary program and receive the Servesafe food handlers certificate, then they are assisted with job placement.
Chef Harris’ ultimate goal is to open his own restaurant and share his amazing creations with the world. He continues to work on his brand “Serenity Chef cooking with True Passion”, and now is a valued member on a team of other celebrity chefs, informing and entertaining foodies all around the world.