Kristine is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for guests through genuine hospitality and great wine.Before moving to Chicago, Zach was the Chef de Cuisine at Shaya Restaurant in New Orleans, where he led a talented team to take home the 2016 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, a culminating triumph at the end of a year of many “Best New” accolades. When she isn't in the kitchen at Galit, Mary enjoys watercolor painting, hitting the gym, and testing out new recipes with her biggest critics, her partner and his three children. He lives near Galit with his wife, daughter and dog. Tom relocated to Chicago in 2014. In 2019, Tom joined Galit’s opening team as Sous Chef where he brings his culinary chops and relationships with local farmers. Zach’s time growing up in a Jewish household and many trips to Israel are the grounding elements of his Middle Eastern cooking. Her serious education began when tending bar at several restaurants including The Southern, Boka and Community Tavern and oversaw the beverage programs as Bar Manager at Japonais and Nico Osteria. Want to check out Galit in Chicago?
Before bringing his expertise to restaurants, Andrés spent over 5 years working for Deloitte. In 2017, Mary joined the team at Rick Bayless’s renowned Frontera Grill and Topolobampo where she was the lead pastry cook. Zachary Engel is the Chef/Owner of Galit, which opened in Chicago in April 2019. After a three year stint at The Rieger in K.C. Galit is a Middle Eastern Restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago, owned and operated by Andrés Clavero and James Beard Award-winning chef Zachary Engel. Gift Cards Reservations Careers Contact & Press FAQ Company Description: Galit is a Middle Eastern Restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago, owned and operated by Chef Zachary Engel and Andrés Clavero.
After discovering a passion for food and hospitality, Kristine attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York City and earned degrees in both Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management. Brandon joined the opening team at Galit in 2019 as Sous Chef, bringing years of knowledge from a career of working with talented chefs across the city. There are, across the country, several Middle Eastern restaurants and chefs that have garnered a James Beard award; now Chicago has one, too, with Galit, headed up by GM Andres Clavero (formerly of Nico Osteria) and James Beard award-winning Chef Zachary Engel.
Get hours, ordering tips from pros, see what's on the menu, and go behind-the-scenes with its crew.
Though the menu encompasses the vast geographic area of the Middle East, the focus is on food in the Israeli tradition. After years in the kitchen, Kristine started to explore front-of-house roles and her interest in wine at renowned restaurants including Spiaggia, Swift & Sons and Somerset. She worked in small bars, growing her skill set and technique with each program. Galit debuts tonight in Lincoln Park, and the menu has a broader scope than Shaya, the New Orleans restaurant where Engel earned the Beard’s Rising Star Chef Award in 2017. Want to check out Galit in Chicago? The chefs are not shy to stray from either the generalized Middle Eastern or the specifically Israeli culinary tradition: there’s a catfish on the menu (Engle grew up down South), which underscores the idea that when you go to Galit, prepare to be surprised.
Craving a new challenge Tom took a full-time position at One Off Hospitality Group’s award-winning butcher shop and cafe, Publican Quality Meats.
The restaurant is a space for community: hospitality professionals, guests and suppliers will come together and celebrate food and drink in a respectful, friendly and caring manner.
After holding the position of Head Butcher, Tom was promoted to Chef de Cuisine at sister restaurant, Dove’s Luncheonette.