the vendors behind the scenes

  • Francis Pascal

    Culinary Director and Owner

    Formerly of Japonais by Morimoto, Momotaro, and Roister of The Alinea Group, Chef Francis Pascal believes high-level cuisine shouldn’t restrict anyone to the walls of the favorite restaurant.

    Life’s most important and intimate celebrations should transpire anywhere for any occasion. And never at the cost of a skillfully plated meal.

    By focusing on technique, the vetted Chef Francis showcases locally sourced ingredients with a relentless commitment to hospitality in your home, office or venue of your choosing.

    Chef Francis was born and raised in Albania. Before moving to the US, Chef’s experience was one of direct contact with the people who were growing his food. He is inspired by their traditions. His mission is to raise awareness about people’s relationship to the quality of the food they are consuming, with special attention to the ingredients’ journey from farm to table. With tribute to this European heritage, he brings an ever-resilient commitment to hospitality, a genuine desire to give, and a globally-inspired perspective to food innovation that is evident with every bite.

  • Michaelengelo Flores

    Chef

    For the better part of the last decade Michaelangelo has been an integral part of some of Chicago’s most reputable kitchens. Working under some of the best chefs in the city, he spent most of his career working at Next of the Alinea Group by Grant Achatz, Boka & Somerset by Lee Wolen, and S.K.Y./Apolonia/Valhalla by Stephen Gillanders.

    Chef Francis and Chef Michaelangelo met working in the Alinea Group. Though still working alongside Stephen Gillanders, Michaelangelo spends his free time working for Vendador. He is currently the Culinary Director of El Hongo Magico, a new plant based taqueria in Chicago.

    Michaelangelo grew up on the South Side of Chicago and is inspired by his mom and dad’s cooking - recipes that came from their hometowns Zacatecas, Mexico and Brownsville, Texas. Working mostly with chefs who focus on sustainability and hospitality led him to pursue his Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management and Education from Robert Morris University, where he graduated in 2018.

  • Erinn Fredin

    Marketing, Social Media and Administration

    For marketing and social media collaboration inquiries, please email chefs@vendador.com.

    Erinn grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, and, alongside telling the story of Vendador, is a passionate, professional actress. She can be seen in dozens of commercials and on nationwide network television.

  • Rogelio Gamez

    Food and Event Photographer

    Rogelio’s photography is a testament to his versatility and passion. From delectable food and architectural marvels to expressive portraiture and captivating events, he captures and directs moments that tell stories. Specializing in food, people, architecture, and product/art photography, Rogelio consistently aims to encapsulate the essence of his subjects.

    If you are interested in adding photography to your experience, Rogelio is a highly recommended collaborator. Please let us know during your consultation or through the inquiry form.

What clients are saying…

A dinner that will be remembered in our family for many years. Nothing short of remarkable. From menu planning, hospitality, food, and service, it was well above expectations.

— MATT T.

Chef Francis is world class. The entire wedding experience was amazing: from initial inquiry, through tasting, through the event and follow up afterwards. His selection of courses was amazing and he worked miraculously around food restrictions in our group. He did such an amazing job during our wedding and we believe it would have not been the same without him

— WESLEY E.

Perfection. Thats the single word I would use to describe Chef Francis and the curated experience Vendador puts together. Having hired and worked with other private chefs, no other chef and private dining experience compares.

— Andrew C.

Our meal was phenomenal. We felt like we were at the chef’s counter of a fine dining restaurant with the added bonus of not having to leave our home.

— CARLEIGH M.

You’ll be immersed in an extraordinary culinary journey that will surpass all your expectations and will leave an indelible mark on your palate and heart. Francis’ creativity and fusion of flavors are unparalleled, by sourcing local quality seasonal ingredients that are apparent in every bite. Vendador is an experience that will stay with you forever

— DAVID R.

I still dream of his dishes. All 6 courses were on par, if not better than, other fine dining establishments. To say that he knocked this experience out of the park is an understatement. You must give him a try before he blows up (which I can just feel is coming soon!).

- PAYAL P.