Chef John Durham
John Durham has been named the new executive chef at ELEVEN Restaurant, the signature restaurant at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga/Downtown.
Mr. Durham, who trained at the Art Institute of Houston, brings more than two decades of experience to ELEVEN. His diverse résumé includes Baylor School and BlueCross BlueShield, teaching aspiring chefs at Southern Adventist University and time as a personal chef.
Mr. Durham stepped away from the culinary arts for a short time, but chose to return following the passing of his mother in 2010. Durham now hopes to honor her memory with the dishes he creates for ELEVEN, the DoubleTree’s H20 Lounge and the hotel guests.
“I took to heart the words that greet you as you enter the ELEVEN Restaurant: ‘inspired traditional dining’,” Mr. Durham said. “To me, that means you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just air it up and make it ride a little smoother. That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have taken things my mother made all the time and add a little flare. It’s working.”
The result is a new menu that includes twists on several southern classics: chicken and waffle cones, mustard brisket, and deviled eggs three ways.
“From the very first moment that I sat down with Chef John to discuss his culinary training, I knew that he would be a perfect fit,” said Bill Mish, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga/Downtown. “John has an incredible food and beverage background, and his passion for the job draws you in immediately. Having Chef John lead our culinary efforts at the Doubletree Hotel is an honor for all of us, and we are so very pleased to have him on our team.”
For reservations at ELEVEN, call 423 756-5150. Keep up with Chef Durham on ELEVEN’s Facebook page and on Twitter.