Chef Paul Kahan at Avec, Highwood: Restaurants

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About Chef Paul Kahan

Paul Kahan is a highly acclaimed Chicago-based chef and partner in One Off Hospitality, known for his innovative approach to Midwestern cuisine with global influences. He is a recipient of multiple prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards, including Outstanding Chef.

★Awards & Recognition

James Beard Foundation Award for Best Ch… (2004)

James Beard Foundation Award for Outstan… (2013)

Chef Timeline

2004

Awarded Best Chef: Midwest

Received the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Midwest, recognizing his culinary talent in the region.

2013

Awarded Outstanding Chef

Received the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Chef, one of the highest honors in American cuisine.

2018

Mentored Rob Levitt

Publican Quality Meats

Chef Rob Levitt joined One Off Hospitality as Head Butcher and Chef of Publican Quality Meats, working under Paul Kahan.

2025

Chef Rob Levitt takes over The Publican

The Publican

Chef Rob Levitt, a mentee, took over as Chef of The Publican, a restaurant within Kahan's One Off Hospitality group.

2026

Featured in culinary demonstration

avec

Insights

Key Information

Customer Perception

While no direct customer reviews were provided, Kahan's multiple James Beard Awards and the praise from industry peers suggest a perception of culinary excellence, innovative dishes, and a strong influence on the Chicago dining scene.

Cuisine Highlights

Midwestern CuisineSeasonal AmericanGlobal Influences

News

In October 2025, Chef Rob Levitt, who previously worked under Paul Kahan at Publican Quality Meats, took over as Chef of The Publican, an iconic Chicago restaurant.
In March 2026, Chef Paul Kahan welcomed STEELPORT into the kitchen at avec in Chicago to share his favorite kitchen tools and demonstrate a signature dish.

Restaurants by chef

avec, Publican Quality Meats, The Publican, One Off Hospitality (restaurant group)

Iconic dishes

Roasted Sweet Potato & Avocado

Additional Details

Paul Kahan is a partner in One Off Hospitality, a renowned restaurant group in Chicago responsible for several acclaimed establishments. His influence extends to mentoring other chefs, as seen with Rob Levitt, who worked under Kahan at Publican Quality Meats before taking over as Chef of The Publican.

Data Freshness: 6w ago