Chef
Oliver Poilevey
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Chicago, Illinois, United States
i. Biography
Chef and co-owner Oliver Poilevey leads Le Bouchon in Chicago and is a James Beard Award semifinalist in the Restaurateur and Chef category.
The Path
Early in his career, Oliver Poilevey cooked at La Sardine and at Le Duc Bistro in Paris, France, then moved to Chicago, IL, where he worked as cook at The Publican in Chicago, IL (2013–2014) before becoming Sous Chef at Le Bouchon in Bucktown, Chicago, IL (2014–2019). The path was steady, sharpened by each kitchen and role, from Paris to Chicago. Today, Oliver is chef-owner of Le Bouchon (since 2019) and co-owner of Obélix (since 2022).
The Work Today
Poilevey is chef and co-owner at Le Bouchon in Chicago. His view on kitchen hierarchy is plain: "I'm not super huge on the whole brigade system." A French reference point appears in the way he talks about eating abroad: "When we're in France, rotisserie chicken is one of the things I look forward to eating."
In Their Words “When we're in France, rotisserie chicken is one of the things I look forward to eating.” “It was kind of a revelation for me to continue what my dad had done.”
Acclaim
Oliver's honors include James Beard Award semifinalist.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Oliver
Where did Oliver Poilevey work before?
Oliver Poilevey's earlier career included La Sardine, Le Duc Bistro, and The Publican.
What recognition has Oliver Poilevey received?
James Beard Award semifinalist.
