In season 21 of Top Chef, you may have cheered on James Beard nominee and Milwaukee local Dan Jacobs as he impressed judges with his creative dishes. Aside from accomplishing challenges with flair in his hallmark turquoise glasses, Jacobs also openly shares his journey as a working chef navigating frenzied professional kitchens while living with Kennedy’s Disease.
Jacobs was diagnosed with the genetic neuromuscular condition in the same year that he opened DanDan and EsterEv in Milwaukee with co-owner Dan Van Rite. The disease, which can sometimes be mistaken for ALS, causes muscle weakness and atrophy over time. Since his diagnosis, Jacobs has helped raise more than $100,000 in funds for Kennedy’s Disease through local initiatives, including Milwaukee’s first annual Kennedy’s Disease fundraiser called Dim Sum + Give Some, a charity gala put on by Jacobs and other industry professionals.
Kennedy’s disease impacts mobility and Jacobs uses adaptive tools to stay nimble in the kitchen. Thanks to these tools, he maintains speed and dexterity to deliver the perfect dish, both on set and in his own restaurants. Jacobs recently shared with us his top three tools, including a rolling garlic peeler, these easy-to-pinch tweezers, and super sharp kitchen scissors.
