Chef Ronak Patel gained a love of preparing and eating eclectic foods at a young age. His parents welcomed his company in the kitchen and introduced him to food from around the world, including his favorites, masala dosa and his mother's chicken curry. After first pursuing his interest in film at Columbia College, Ronak decided to pursue his initial love of cooking through attending Le Cordon Bleu Chicago. During culinary school, Ronak completed an externship under Chef Maneet Chauhan at Vermilion. Ronak worked for catering companies throughout the Chicagoland area, including Chef Daniel Private Dining, Urban Chef Chicago, Gourmet Gorilla, Aramark at Loyola University, Levy Events, The Perfect Dinner, Revel Central and Crème Crafted Parties and Catering. Beginning in May 2014, Ronak was the owner and private dining chef at Chef Ronak. Starting in 2015, Ronak shared his knowledge of cooking with students throughout Chicagoland, including workshops at the Sugar Beet Food Co-op and as a Chef Instructor at Peterson Garden Project, Cook, Cork and Fork and Read It & Eat. Through his work experience, his schooling, and his diverse cultural background, Ronak gained an immense understanding of various foods, tastes, and how to provide for clients’ needs.
Ronak passed away at the age of 38 in 2018.