Christopher Lee (chef)
Christopher Lee | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Chef |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Known for | New American cuisine, executive chef roles at Gilt and Aureole, Michelin 2-star chef |
Christopher Lee is a culinary professional specializing in New American cuisine.
Career
Lee completed his culinary education at the California Culinary Academy and gained experience at prominent dining establishments in New York City and San Francisco, including Restaurant Daniel under Chef Daniel Boulud, Jean Georges, and The Fifth Floor.
His professional journey progressed when he served as sous chef at Oceana in New York, where he received notable praise from The New York Times and The New York Post. Subsequently, he took on the role of chef de cuisine at Stephen Starr’s Striped Bass in Philadelphia, swiftly advancing to executive chef.
In August 2006, Lee returned to New York as the executive chef at Gilt, achieving international acclaim. During his tenure, Gilt was awarded four stars by Crain's New York Business and earned its inaugural Michelin 2-star distinction.
By late 2008, Lee became executive chef at Aureole in NYC under Charlie Palmer, revitalizing the restaurant into a Times Square hotspot with three unique dining areas and diverse menus all managed from one kitchen. Their collaboration ended in December 2010.
In March 2010, Lee collaborated with Chelsea’s Las Chicas Locas to oversee culinary operations, promoting Chef Katie Busch—who had previously worked alongside him at Aureole—to executive chef.
October 2010 saw Lee launch Eden South Beach in Miami Beach with partner Larry Rizzo, presenting his interpretation of New American cuisine in a bistro atmosphere featuring the Garden of Eden bar. Matthew Duryea was appointed chef de cuisine. Eden actively engaged with local philanthropic efforts and participated in the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
By mid-2011, Lee broadened his partnership with Rizzo, Kevin McCaughan, and Rocky Bruno to establish Huntington Social, a gastropub located in his hometown of Huntington, New York. The establishment received accolades from The New York Times, which described it as a "Don't Miss" and a "hidden gem."
Charity
Lee contributes to philanthropic initiatives such as the Huntington Historical Society and a September 11 memorial. One of his venues features interior design inspired by 1920s speakeasies, including elements like red velvet banquettes and white marble tabletops.
Consulting
Operating through C.LEE Consulting, Lee provides guidance to restaurateurs including Mark Advent and Orange County Choppers. He also planned to introduce the Hot Meat Truck for lunchtime service in NYC later in 2011.
Awards
- Named among "Top Ten Best New Chefs of 2006" by Food and Wine Magazine
- Awarded "Best Chef 2005" by Philadelphia Magazine
- Received Four Bells rating from The Philadelphia Inquirer for Striped Bass
- Recognized as one of the "Best New American Restaurants 2004" by Travel + Leisure for Striped Bass
- Included among leading U.S. restaurants in 2006 by Gourmet
- Honored with the James Beard Award for "2005 Rising Star Chef of the Year"
- Nominated for "2006 Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic" by James Beard Foundation
- Awarded two Michelin Stars by The Michelin Guide