Chef Alex Harrell of The Elysian Bar encourages community through food

Chef Alex Harrell is no stranger to Liberty’s Kitchen. He was one of our very first Guest Chefs in 2017, then jumped at the chance to work alongside trainees last year for a special farm-to-table dinner at Grow On Urban Farms. This month, he returned for his second Guest Chef Night turn, this time as Executive Chef of The Elysian Bar, a 2019 James Beard Award semifinalist. 

Chef Harrell worked with current Liberty’s Kitchen trainees Dejah Holmes on preparing the family style meal. Guests dined on smoked gulf fish with avocado, and shared braised beef short rib with romesco, roasted eggplant and fennel salad, and a chocolate cremeux to finish.

When asked about his sustained support for Liberty’s Kitchen, Chef Alex said he believes in taking a chance on young people to see what they’re capable of. “Someone did it for me,” he said. “Someone was there as a mentor, answering all my questions and I want to do that for others.” Thanks, Chef! 

Of her experience working one-on-one with Chef Alex for Guest Chef Night, Dejah said, “The food was so good. I thought it would be more difficult to prepare!”
 
It was another fun evening, and we’re excited for June 20th when Chef Aaron Burgau of Patois is our guest chef! Tickets are on sale here.