Beyond the kitchen, I am passionate about advocating for positive change in the independent restaurant industry. I was honored to be a small part of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund and even got to chat with President-Elect Biden about what it’s like being an independent restaurateur in the wild, wild world of hospitality.

Now, here’s the plot twist: in the same year we launched DanDan and EsterEv, I got diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease, a sneaky little genetic neuromuscular condition often mistaken for ALS. It can make everyday tasks — like walking upstairs or chopping onions — feel like I’m training for a marathon. But hey, I’m still here, running two restaurants and raising awareness (and some serious cash — $90,000 and counting!) for Kennedy’s Disease research.

At EsterEv, we’re all about serving up dishes that feel like a big, warm hug from your childhood. Whether it's a Ricotta Gnudi that reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, a Butter Popcorn Macaron that takes you straight to the movie theater, or a Baked Alaska that tastes like your favorite Saturday morning cereal, I’m here to bring the joy. And don’t even get me started on the Pierogies and Dumplings. No really, don’t. We will be here all day.

Oh, and in case you missed it, I took runner-up on Season 21 of Top Chef. It was a crazy, fun ride, and now I’ve got plenty of stories to tell and some great new friends to cook with. So next time you're in Milwaukee and craving something delicious, swing by and say hi. I’ll be the one in the kitchen, probably dreaming up my next wild dish!

On the home front, I’m married to the talented ceramics artist Kate Riley, who creates all the rustic, handmade pottery for DanDan and EsterEv. Together, we host “Plate Collective,” a quarterly dinner series featuring a curated dining experience with custom serveware. When we’re not cooking or crafting, you can find us enjoying life in the Bayview neighborhood of Milwaukee.