i. Biography
In her hands, the plate reads as more than a specialty: it becomes a compact expression of richness, restraint, and the table-side act of assembling a dish from a few clear parts.
Coming Up
Today, Alyona is Executive Chef of Hewelke. The role puts her at the center of service, where timing, sequencing, and consistency matter as much as the menu itself. Within that frame, she works in a kitchen that leaves room for a modern sensibility while keeping Peking duck in clear view as the dish most closely tied to her name.
Where They Are Now
Peking duck is the kitchen’s named specialty, and the version with rice pancakes is the one highlighted on the modern menu. The pairing is direct: the duck’s depth set against the softness of the pancakes, producing a plate that keeps familiar structure but tightens the presentation. It fits a restaurant that wants tradition read through a contemporary lens, with the ingredients and the final assembly carrying the weight of the statement. For Alyona, that dish is the clearest marker of her current work at Hewelke.
Signature
Alyona’s signature dishes include Peking duck. That single dish points to a style built around a recognizable classic handled with enough control to read as specific to her kitchen. Signature work often fixes a chef in the trade’s memory, and here Peking duck does that job. The dish also lines up with Hewelke’s modern menu, where Peking duck with rice pancakes is highlighted, underlining the emphasis on disciplined execution and presentation.
Honors
Alyona’s honors include Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand (2024). The recognition places her work in a defined culinary context and marks 2024 as a notable point in her career. Alongside her position as Executive Chef of Hewelke and her association with Peking duck, the honor helps outline a chef whose work is organized around a clear specialty and a contemporary profile.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Alyona
What is Alyona Orel's current role?
As of 2026, Alyona Orel is Head Chef.
What recognition has Alyona Orel received?
Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand (2024).
