James Beard-nominated Chef Kelly Whitaker holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, but his real schooling was gleaned in international kitchens. After studying at Hotel Institute Montreux in Switzerland, Kelly’s first culinary stint was in Italy, where he fell in love with simple, wood-fired eateries and the joy of taking care of guests. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he perfected his craft at the one Michelin starred Hatfield’s and later the two Michelin starred Providence. In 2008, Whitaker moved to Boulder and started Id Est Hospitality Group (IEHG). In addition to being an active member of Chefs Collaborative (he received the “Heart of the Collaborative” award in 2014), Whitaker sits on the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Monterey Bay Seafood Watch, and founded Noble Grain Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting domestic, milled-to-order grains.
- https://iehospitality.com/company