Christopher Tong, Executive Chef

Christopher Tong is the owner of My Private Chef, the elegant Chicago-based private chef and gourmet dining service.

Born and trained in Germany, Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive contemporary Continental and French cuisine for more than twenty five years. After he was recruited to join the culinary staff of Ciel Blue, a famous award-winning restaurant in Chicago, he continued his career at prestigious establishments around the U.S., including the Walt Disney Swan Hotel in Orlando, the world famous Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills and the Sutton Place Hotel and Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

Early on, he became a favorite of celebrities in the world of entertainment and sports. Some of the first to recognize his skills were: Michael J. Fox, Dennis Hopper, Michael Jordan, Nancy Reagan, Cher, and the King of Jordan. Chris also served teams in the NBA, NFL, and NHL, as well as NASCAR drivers.

Ten years ago, he launched My Private Chef, taking that same exquisite cuisine into the world of private dining. He has received rave reviews and recognition for offering world-class fare at a host of intimate dinners and special events. His My Private Chef date book is filled with events and moments that spark interest and excitement:

A five-course dinner where the guest list included the French Ambassador. He loved the grilled pheasant with wild strawberries and pistachios.

The relaunch of Every Day with Rachael Ray. My Private Chef prepared a special Hawaiian-themed party and coordinated the Chicago events for the nationwide tour. The party included tropical drinks, a ukulele player and hula dancers.

Elegant dinner services for Actor, John Malkovich.

Corporate dining events for Lalique, the ultimate French luxury brand.

A wedding proposal with strawberries and champagne on a balcony with a trio of musicians fiddling music over a lavish spread of china and French delicacies.

Creating beautiful hors d’oeuvres for a special Trunk Show for the famous Yves St. Laurent French Fashion House.

Thanksgiving dinner service for Actor, Terrence Howard and cast members of the TV show Empire.

Launch party for Stephen Hamilton’s new online magazine, Who’s Hungry? Hamilton is an internationally famous food photographer and judge on Top Chef Masters.

Chef Tong’s cooking demonstrations are a favorite. He regularly appears on local television, at Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture Store, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Gilda's Club Chicago, Whole Foods, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago's Green City Market and In the Kitchen with Mariano's at the Taste of Chicago.

Christopher was named one of the top 100 Chefs in Chicago and received the 2000 Gold Medal Award by the American Tasting Institute. He has served as a judge at the Illinois Institute of Art and is a member of the James Beard Foundation. He teaches his skills to students in the Culinary Arts Program at St. Augustine College.