Jenner Tomaska

Esme

About Jenner Tomaska

Jenner Tomaska is the executive chef and co-owner of Esmé – the Michelin-starred, mission-driven restaurant in Chicago that Jenner runs with his wife and partner Katrina Bravo. He grew up in the southern suburbs of Chicago where at 14, he began his professional culinary career as a cook and dishwasher at a local restaurant. He went on to attend Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, graduating with degrees in both Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. After graduation, Jenner worked in Hilton Head, South Carolina before returning to Chicago to explore the fine dining scene. He eventually found his way, working as a tournant at mk The Restaurant under chefs Michael Kornick and Erick Williams. After two years at mk, Jenner left to join the team at The Alinea Group’s Next Restaurant, where he first met his now wife and business partner Katrina Bravo. He was quickly promoted to Sous Chef and then Chef de Cuisine in May 2015. In April 2016, he was named Executive Chef of Next, reporting directly to chef Grant Achatz. Impressively, Jenner’s tenure included 21 of the 23 menu transitions at Next, 18 four-star Chicago Tribune reviews and three, three-star Chicago Tribune reviews, in addition to his two James Beard Rising Star Chef nominations. At Esmé, Jenner changes the menu quarterly, with each inspired by artwork from a rotating featured artist, whose works are displayed throughout the restaurant. Since opening in 2021, Esmé has received one MICHELIN star and widespread national acclaim.