My Story 

​With a background spanning over two decades in the culinary industry, Chef McClendon has honed his skills and carved a niche for himself, creating a cooking style that not only intrigues the taste buds but also tell a story. As an artist in various forms, including acting, music, and illustration, cooking came naturally to him. He quickly realized that he had a natural knack for the culinary arts and embarked on a path that would shape his future.

Chef Chris’s philosophy and approach to cooking are deeply rooted in love. His food emanates from a place of personal connection, be it an experience shared with a loved one or a cherished memory from the past. His commitment to authenticity and staying true to his own culinary voice is what sets him apart from the trends and fads that often dominate the culinary scene. He understands that the best art comes from a place of genuine expression, and that’s exactly what he brings to the table.

When it comes to staying inspired and continually innovating, Chef Chris relies on his vast repertoire of experiences and flavors. Rather than following the crowd, he chooses to be the flow, drawing inspiration from his own journey and infusing each dish with his unique perspective. While he remains aware of current culinary trends, he doesn’t feel compelled to conform. Instead, he takes inspiration from new ingredients or techniques and transforms them into something that resonates with his own culinary style.

“I try not to go with the flow. I just try to be the flow. I don’t worry about what they are doing. I only cook food that is personal to me. I don’t really care what the trends are right now. If there’s an ingredient that is being utilized or I haven’t heard of before or I didn’t think of utilizing immediately, that doesn’t mean I won’t necessarily use it but I will bend that ingredient to my will and make it taste like something that I’ve had in the past.”

Chef McClendon understands the importance of maintaining a cohesive and efficient team in high-pressure kitchen environments. Through fostering open lines of communication, implementing effective training programs, effective planning, and instilling a sense of trust among his crew, he has learned, developed and honed these skillsets that where established at his almamater Schoolcraft College successfully managed multiple teams, all while ensuring that the kitchen consistently produces food of the utmost quality.

“The food is going to get even more unique. The ingredients are going to become more off the beaten path. But the beautiful thing about it is going to come with education. It’s going to come with a sense of excellence because my staff is going to be extremely knowledgeable with every ingredient where it comes from and how it’s produced.”

As Chef McClendon continues to push the boundaries of his culinary prowess, his exciting new journey promises to be a source of inspiration for aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Through his dedication to mastery, exploration of international flavors, and commitment to sustainability, he is not only creating exceptional dishes but also challenging the conventional notions of what it means to be a chef.

 To stay abreast of all the details on Chef McClendon’s journey follow him on Instagram @itschrismcclendon.

Welcome to the world of Chef Chris McClendon, where culinary artistry meets passion for exquisite flavors. Delve into the extraordinary journey of a renowned chef who has redefined the gourmet experience. Explore the mastery of taste and innovation as Chef Chris McClendon takes you on a gastronomic adventure like no other.Embark on a delectable odyssey through the lens of Chef Chris McClendon's remarkable career, filled with culinary marvels and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Discover the inspiration behind the masterpieces, the untold stories of creativity, and the unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of taste and sensation.