About Dirk Flanigan

Chef Dirk Flanigan always seems to be ahead of the curve, from French cuisine to his trademark "refined rusticity" style. As a result of this dynamism, he has been called on to consult with and create menus for some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants including The Grid and Green Door. He was also Executive Chef at the nationally recognized Henri and The Gage in Chicago. In 2011, he was a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef and was named Chicago Rising Star Chef by Star Chef Magazine.

Flanigan got his start in the business as a dishwasher in his hometown of Naples, Florida. He was thirteen and wanted a new surfboard. From there he skipped culinary school and opted to work his way up the chef line. He made a name for himself at the Ritz-Carlton and as the executive chef at Meritage in Chicago. He then reached the culinary spotlight as Executive Chef at Henri and The Gage.