May 1, 2017

Meet Jenner Tomaska of Next Restaurant in West Loop

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenner Tomaska.

Jenner, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After graduating from Johnson & Whales in 2009 I decided to make way back to Chicago. I began work as a Chef de Partie at mk Restaurant located in the River North area of downtown Chicago. There I worked under Chef Eric Williams for two years before moving on to Next in 2011. I began my tenure with the Alinea Group as a Chef de Partie and was promoted to Sous Chef at the end of 2013. After a year in that role I took over as Chef de Cuisine. In 2016 I became the Executive Chef of Next Restaurant, a title I still presently hold.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If answering honestly I would have to say that the biggest obstacle I’ve run into has been finding a balance between my life at home and my life at work. I’ve been blessed to work for a company that is truly passionate about promoting and nurturing the careers of their young cooks. Chef Grant has made it very clear that if you put in the time and have the passion you will not go unrecognized. While the hours can be taxing I’ve never felt that my efforts have gone unrewarded.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Next Restaurant – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Next is a fine dining restaurant located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Unlike most restaurants we do not simply change items on our menu. Instead, our entire restaurant changes in concept and cuisine. This process happens thrice yearly. From plate ware and decor to dishes and execution nothing remains the same.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As our restaurant is always evolving, change is an inevitable part of the equation. We are currently testing for our new menu Next Hollywood which debuts May 10th 2017. We have also begun planning for our Next Top 50 menu which is set to launch this coming fall.

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