Welcome!
Our goal is to inspire clients to achieve individualized wellness by advocating innovative solutions that fuse culinary arts and nutrition. Whether you are looking for innovative catered foods, healthy cooking instruction or consultative culinary solutions, we're here to help.
What's New?
Centered Chef Food Studios is in the construction phase of a one-of-a-kind state-of-the-art Culinary Wellness Center...stay tuned for the official press release!
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8/20/10
The latest installment from Chefs Ryan and Sara on the USA Triathlon website is now live. Snacking can have a negative connotation and has contributed to our nation’s obesity epidemic, but it’s time to give it a second chance with a new perspective. Learn how to snack appropriately and simply in the August article, Snack Time.
1/25/10
Winter is a challenging time for everyone trying to keep fit as the weather works against us. Chef Jill shares some of her favorite time-saving techniques and pantry staples that make cooking seasonally a snap on Kim Martiny's Healthy Winter Living article on mylocalhealth.com.
1/1/10
Witness Chef Ryan Hutmacher's humbling journey of reinvention as a chef, entrepreneur and Ironman triathlete.
As a food and lifestyle expert, chef Ryan shares his passion and knowledge of practical cooking for those seeking balance between how they feel and perform in everyday life.
1/8/10
See what Chicago's very own gardening expert Shawna Lee Coronado ("The Naked Gardener") says about Chef Ryan and Centered Chef Food Studios. Check out her feaure story as she debuts her blog, Gardening Nude, on ChicagoNow.com.
1/12/10
Do you wear jeans in the workplace? Chef Jill is featured in a Crain's article exploring the topic in detail this week.
1/13/10
Make a New Year’s resolution to learn more about the foods that keep you healthy. The holidays are filled with delicious, yet destructive foods. Do yourself a favor in the New Year and choose the foods that help fight off inflammation and disease. The chefs of Centered Chef Food Studios share some fantastic recipes loaded with flavor and nutrition on WGN's Lunchbreak. They demonstrate a luxurious Red Lentil and Curry Soup as well as a recipe for Pan-Seared Salmon with Pineapple Basil Salsa.
2/6/10
Chef Ryan spent part of the day mentoring 20 teens from the Junior League of Chicago's Teen Exodus Program. This program supports teen girls in improving self-esteem through constructive, group-related activities. With the focus on healthy snacks and foods and direction from Chef Ryan, the girls helped create all-natural fruit smoothies and homemade turkey ravioli with marinara. Chef Ryan finished the class with his signature flambéed almond trail mix.
2/9/10
Chef Ryan and Chef Sara are now contributing writers for USA Triathlon’s "Fuel Station". Their article, Fitting in Fiber: Clean Cuisine That Keeps You Lean, was published this week.
2/10/10
Be good to your heart! February is National Heart Month, and Centered Chef Food Studios showcases recipes that promote heart health. Choosing foods high in fiber and rich in healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids are sure ways to keep your heart going strong. Join Chefs Ryan Hutmacher and Sara Haas on WGN's Lunchbreak as they prepare an aromatic Indian dish, Chana Masala, as well as a Brussels Sprouts Salad and Walnut Crusted Trout recipe.
3/10/10
It’s spring break time! Whether or not you’re in school, you deserve a little break from the winter cold and snow. Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to let go of those heavy, stick-to-your ribs type of foods and replace them with light and nutritious, yet filling foods. The American Dietetic Association has recognized March as National Nutrition Month and there’s no better time than now to focus on food and nutrition.
Join Chef Ryan Hutmacher and Chef Sara Haas RD, LDN on WGN's Lunchbreak to learn healthy spring break-inspired recipes including Tequila Glazed Halibut Tacos with Avocado Salsa and Pickled Red Onions as well as Black Bean and Charred Corn Quinoa Sauté.
3/15/10
The latest article by Chefs Ryan and Sara on the USA Triathlon website is now live. The article, entitled Seasons Change - So Should Your Eating Habits, covers taking a lighter and brighter approach to your diet with the coming of springtime.
4/5/10
As an expert on healthy lifestyle, Chef Ryan Hutmacher, founder of Centered Chef Food Studios, can be seen here speaking on the implications of anti-inflammatory foods and cooking techniques. Chef Ryan spoke alongside renowned nutrition expert, Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN, CHN, on the topic entitled Put out the Fire: Reducing Inflammation wtih Food, at a conference earlier this year hosted on behalf of the American Nutrition Association. For the full length video, contact http://americannutritionassociation.org.
4/7/10
Spring is finally here and thank goodness for that! Leave thoughts of snow behind and embrace the longer days and fresh produce of spring. This season is filled with celebrations and Centered Chef will showcase spring-inspired recipes for your next get-together. Join Chef Ryan Hutmacher and Chef Sara Haas RD, LDN on WGN Lunchbreak and learn how to make Spinach and Caramelized Onion Frittata, Minted Pea Soup and Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steak Salad with Ponzu Dressing.
5/10/10
You’ve waited patiently, and now it’s time fire up your grill and start enjoying the fresh foods of the season. Join Chef Ryan Hutmacher of Centered Chef Food Studios and learn some uniquely-healthy and delicious dishes, such as Grilled Seasonal Vegetables with Harissa, Spicy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebobs and Grilled Citrus-Scented Bananas.
5/10/10
Chef Ryan recently contributed many great ideas for using often-overlooked functional ingredients such as beets, sardines, brussels sprouts, pumpkin seeds and kale for Diabetes Forecast Magazine.
5/19/10
Chefs Ryan and Sara's monthly contribution to the USA Triathlon website is now live. The installment, Ready, Set...Grill!, covers some of the benefits of utilizing this great cooking method. It also features some Middle-Eastern-inspired recipes perfect for the grill.
6/9/10
Cobblers, pies and shortcakes…they’re all delicious, but why limit fruit to just dessert? It’s time to experiment with the juicy fruits of the summer season. Join Chef Ryan Hutmacher and Chef Sara Haas RD, LDN on WGN's Lunchbreak to learn more about healthy, fruit-focused recipes sure to impress. You don’t want to miss their recipes for Chilled Strawberry Soup with Tarragon and Citrus, Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Rhubarb Chutney and Mesclun Salad with Candied Walnuts and Minted Pesto Vinaigrette.
6/10/10
The latest installment from Chefs Ryan and Sara on the USA Triathlon website is now live. Understanding the Importance of Protein delves into the details every endurance athlete should know about protein.
6/10/10
Chef Ryan was interviewed by Passions and Possibilities, a blog whose mission is to: "...inspire and support bold, talented individuals to leap FULLY and VIBRANTLY into their passions for making bigger, positive impacts in the world!"
6/17/10
Chef Ryan demonstrates "Fit and Fast" recipes as he co-presents on the topic of performance nutrition with his brother Scott "Hootie" Hutmacher, coach of Team To End AIDS charity triathletes on Saturday. The cooking demonstration focuses on pre-& post-workout nutrition solutions and recipes aimed at performing optimally. Check out recipes for Strawberry Spinach Smoothie with Cashew Butter, Whole Grain Pasta with Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce,and Yogurt Parfait with Homemade Granola and Fruit.
6/25 - In partnership with the Mayor's Office of Special Events and Humana Healthcare, Chef Ryan is assisting with efforts to promote the Taste of Chicago's initiative to have dedicated healthy options for the first time.
6/26 - Chef Ryan will be involved both as a participant and as race marshal at this year's 2010 Humana Race to the Taste 5K.
6/26 - Chef Ryan and Chef Sara to present at the Dominick's Chefs Corner at 1 pm, at the Taste of Chicago - Chilled Blueberry Soup and Wildberry Granita.
6/27 - Chef Ryan and Chef Sara to present at the Dominick's Chefs Corner at 1 pm, at the Taste of Chicago - Triple-Peppercorn Flank Steak with Edamame Salsa.
6/24/10
Wondering when the major provisions of the nation's healthcare overhaul are taking place? The Colorado Springs Gazette published a great timeline at the end of this article.
6/24/10
There's a flurry of activity in the Centered Chef Food Studios camp this weekend with the Taste of Chicago. Here's the rundown for this weekend:
7/14/10
Summer is here and temperatures are soaring. This time of year we yearn for foods that help cool us down, not heat us up! Join Chefs Ryan Hutmacher and Sara Haas RD, LDN on WGN's Lunchbreak to learn light and refreshing Thai-inspired summer dishes. Watch as they demonstrate a flavorful Red Curry Flank Steak Satay Salad as well as Strawberries with Lime-Lemongrass Syrup and Honeyed Yogurt.
7/21/10
The latest installment from Chefs Ryan and Sara on the USA Triathlon website is now live. Athletes often overlook the importance of their post-workout nutrition. The article, Post Work-Out Nutrition: Don't Wait Until It's Too Late!, addresses the importance of eating after a workout and illustrates types of foods to eat.
8/11/10
Sandwiches are a true American favorite. Everyone loves a good turkey club, but sometimes your palate craves something a little more interesting. Step out of your comfort zone and join Chef Ryan Hutmacher and Chef Sara Haas RD, LDN on WGN's Lunchbreak to learn how to make Chicken Shawarma, a flavorful Middle Eastern sandwich. We’ll top it with a complex Mango Chunda and Tahini Sauce, and you won’t believe that this delicious sandwich is actually good for you!
Centered Chef Food Studios celebrates their 5 year anniversary today!
8/11/10
"Centered Chef prepares beautiful food that is healthy, fun and delicious. The Center for Partnership Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is fortunate to have Centered Chef prepare meals for our executive physical program. With pleasure, we refer clients to Centered Chef’s educational cooking classes and “clean-cuisine” catering services."
Gretchen Swank RD, LDN, CNSD
Registered Dietitian, Center for Partnership Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
8/26/10
Chef Ryan demonstrates super simple and healthy meal preparation to guests from Publicis using seasonal ingredients bursting with big flavors! His "20 Minute (Or Less) Meal, For Real!" demonstration includes recipes for Whole Grain Pasta with Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce paired with a Side Salad with Blueberry Dijon Vinaigrette.
