Beverly Kim

The Climb

Beverly Kim started as an intern at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Illinois, then moved through the kitchens of The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Illinois, Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, Illinois, Prairie Grass Cafe, Opera in Chicago, Illinois, and Aria at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Across those rooms, she rose from chef to executive chef with steady, exacting command. In 2011–2011, Beverly Kim appeared as a contestant at Top Chef season 9 in Texas, and from 2012 she also taught at Kendall College School of Culinary Arts. Later, the work shifted into ownership: co-owner and chef at Parachute in Avondale, Chicago, Illinois (2014–2024), co-owner and chef at Wherewithall in Chicago, Illinois (2019–2023), and contestant at America's Culinary Cup (2026). Today, Beverly is chef/owner of Parachute HiFi (since 2024).

Today

The critique stays internal: "100% I am the biggest critic and sometimes my own worst enemy."

Career - chef/owner — Parachute HiFi, Chicago, Illinois (2024–present) - intern — The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Illinois - chef — The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Illinois - chef — Charlie Trotter's, Chicago, Illinois - chef — Prairie Grass Cafe - executive chef — Opera, Chicago, Illinois - executive chef — Aria at the Fairmont Hotel, Chicago, Illinois - contestant — Top Chef season 9, Texas (2011) - teacher — Kendall College School of Culinary Arts (from 2012)

Recognition

Beverly Kim's honors include James Beard Award for Best Chef, Great Lakes.

FAQ What is Beverly Kim's current role? As of 2026, Beverly Kim is chef/owner. Where did Beverly Kim work before? Beverly Kim's earlier career included The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, and Charlie Trotter's. What recognition has Beverly Kim received? James Beard Award for Best Chef, Great Lakes (2019).