CHRISTOPHER ISRAEL
Chef, 23Hoyt

Christopher Israel, Executive Chef at 23Hoyt and Saucebox, is a 5th generation San Diegan of Mexican-American descent. Chris was inspired early in life by time spent with his grandmother in her kitchen. After spending his childhood in Southern California Chris headed north to college at UC Berkley where he graduated in 1986 with his Bachelors in Art History.

To earn a living while attending school he started working in restaurants and was a Maître D’ at Square One and then at Zuni Cafe. This is where he learned about and developed his passion for food. It was during this time in 1987 that he met Bruce Carey, a new friend and his future business partner. Both Chris and Bruce traveled to Europe where they spent a couple months before moving to Portland, Oregon. Just one year after moving to Portland, 1990, Chris and Bruce opened their first restaurant Zefiro.

Chris went on a sabbatical to Asia in 1994 where he traveled extensively. Upon his return in 1995 they opened Saucebox.

In 1999 he moved to New York City to take a job as an Associate Art Director for Vanity Fair Magazine where he stayed until 2005. He then returned to the stoves at Saucebox. And most recently in 2006 he opened 23Hoyt Restaurant and Bar.

His cuisine has been featured in The New York Times, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Sunset and USA Today.