Chef Jay Jay
Chef At Home in Highwood
Get to know me better
I’m Chef Jay Bliznick—a culinary storyteller who transforms bold flavors and immersive experiences into unforgettable, show-stopping meals.
Chef Jay Bliznick is a culinary force whose dishes tell stories, spark conversation, and linger in memory long after the last bite. A Chicago-based chef with over a decade of experience spanning fine dining, immersive events, and culinary education, Jay has built a career defined by bold creativity and rock-solid technique. Trained at Washburne Culinary Institute and certified as a ServSafe Instructor, he blends classical skills with a wildly inventive spirit.
Jay is the visionary behind Sideshow Gelato, one of America’s most unusual and talked-about dessert experiences—an artisan gelato shop where daring flavors and dazzling live performances collided under one roof. As both gelato chef and ringmaster, he built a venue praised by none other than magician Penn Jillette, earning a cult following for his commitment to quality, spectacle, and surprise.
His culinary journey also includes leading kitchens like the iconic Del Rio Restaurant, where he elevated Northern Italian classics and cut food costs with surgical precision, as well as serving as Executive Chef Trainer at Inspiration Kitchens, where he used food as a vehicle for empowerment and change.
From vegan fine dining to theatrical tasting menus, Chef Jay doesn’t just cook—he creates edible experiences. Whether he’s braising star-anise short ribs or crafting a risotto that channels the spirit of New Orleans, his dishes are soulful, striking, and unforgettable.
If you're seeking a chef who sees cuisine as both art and adventure, Jay Bliznick is ready to bring the show to your table.
More about me
For me, cooking is...
Everything from building a connection between all at the table in a moment to making simple and warm, comforting meals toe spectacular entertainment.
I learned to cook at...
Washburne Culinary Institute in Chicago IL.
A cooking secret...
Connection to those I am cooking for. Providing a meal that speaks to them in a way they want and need in the moment.
Book your experience with Chef Jay
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