About Chef Christian Hunter

Christian Hunter is intrigued by global flavors, sustainable food production, and nutritional anthropology and is the founder of Chicago’s Michelin-starred Atelier.

Chef Hunter was named as a finalist for the James Beard Best Chef: Northeast in 2023, as well as a Young Chef Award from the Michelin Guide, earning the restaurant a star from the Guide as well. Hunter’s approach to food focuses on infusing New American fare with unexpected global flavors.

Hunter has a culinary degree from Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York and has cooked at Relais & Châteaux’s Lake Placid Lodge and The Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island. He spent four years in Charleston cultivating relationships with local farmers and also his own culinary identity, emphasizing global flavors. He joined Community Table in Litchfield, Connecticut during the challenging year of 2020. Chef used the time to familiarize himself with area farms and shape the culinary direction of the restaurant.

Coming from a humble background, he strives to get the most out of everything he brings into the kitchen and works to illuminate the ability of African American chefs to cook amazing food of any cuisine or genre.