ABOUT - CHEF CHRISTOPHER FREAD
" Redefining Greek Cuisine"
Chef Christopher Fread, whose cooking is true to his Greek-Mediterranean roots, has 14 years of culinary experience. Christopher’s vision is to satisfy the guest’s culinary palate through his philosophy, “Redefining Greek Cuisine"
Some of Christopher’s accolades include becoming the 2010 Best Teen Chef of Fort Lauderdale, receiving the James Beard Foundation Down South Scholarship, competing in multiple culinary competitions and performing cooking demos at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Some of the places he has had the opportunity to work and intern in include Boca Green’s Country Club, Daniel Boulud’s Cafe Boulud, Daryl and Oliver’s Cafe Maxx, Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Walt Disney World, and multiple properties at Walt Disney World Resort.
Quite accomplished for starting in the industry at the young age of 14, Christopher’s fascination for culinary began at age five when he was always caught peering over the wooden counter on his tippy toes trying to see what was going on in the kitchen. He was always watching Yiayia (which is Greek for Grandmother) cook away to sights of the boiling sauces and the smells of lamb roasting in the oven. It was his Yiayia’s dedication to traditional Greek food that made him realize cooking was his passion.
Christopher is a graduate of the International Culinary School at the Art Institutes with a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Management and graduated in December 2013 with Magna Cum Laude and Outstanding Culinary Achievement Award.
Christopher currently resides as a Sous Chef for the Walt Disney Company, currently cooking at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort.
CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Christopher has quite a range of culinary experience and worked in a variety of venues, such as bistros, country clubs, a la carte, casual dining, themed entertainment dining, buffets, lounge experiences and fine dining. Some of the highlights include the opportunity to work and intern in Boca Green’s Country Club, Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud, Daryl and Oliver’s Café Maxx, and multiple properties at Walt Disney World Resort.
HONORS & aCHIEVEMENTS
Christopher has received the James Beard Foundation Scholarship, Bronze in Category K ACF Competition, competed in the regional San Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition, and has participated in numerous Food and Wine events.
Skills/Talents
Classical Cooking, Mediterranean Cooking, Baking and Pastry, Purchasing and Cost Control, Sanitation and Safety, Demonstration/Presentation Skills, Catering, Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Organizational Skills, Time Management, Training Experience, Food Preparation, Plating and Food Presentation, Design and Planning, Menu Execution, Proficient in Back of House Back Office Systems, and Technical/ Microsoft Office Skills.
Education
Christopher graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Management from The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He was also awarded Magna Cum Laude and Outstanding Culinary Achievement Award.
FEATURED MEDIA - CHEF CHRISTOPHER FREAD
"Redefining Greek Cuisine"
ACF CULINARY REVIEW
SOUTH FLORIDA
SUN SENTINEL
EPCOT'S FOOD
AND WINE FESTIVAL
GO RIVERWALK
FORT LAUERDALE
