A Journey Shaped by Hospitality

Chef Katie Van Dyke is a graduate of the Iowa Culinary Institute (Class of 2012) whose career has been shaped by a passion for culinary excellence, innovation, and hospitality. After beginning her career in the Des Moines restaurant community, she relocated to Napa Valley, California, in 2016 to expand her culinary experience.

In California, Katie joined the acclaimed team at Two Birds/One Stone in St. Helena, working under Michelin-starred chef Douglas Keane alongside renowned Los Angeles chef Sang Yoon. During her time in Napa Valley, she immersed herself in the region's exceptional agricultural landscape and developed a deep appreciation for seasonal ingredients and the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine. These experiences continue to influence her cooking philosophy and menu development.

Katie further refined her craft through stages at two of the world's most celebrated restaurants: the three Michelin-starred Alinea in Chicago (2018) and the three Michelin-starred SingleThread Farms in Healdsburg, California (2019). Working alongside these elite culinary teams provided invaluable insight into world-class technique, precision, creativity, and guest experience.

Returning to Iowa in 2019, Katie brought home a vision of creating a distinctive dining destination inspired by her experiences in California and at Michelin-starred restaurants. Her goal has been to elevate the Des Moines dining scene by combining exceptional cuisine with genuine hospitality and memorable guest experiences.

Today, Chef Katie operates a successful private chef business, designing customized menus and personalized dining experiences for private celebrations, corporate gatherings, and special events. She also has her own dining series at the Iowa Culinary Institute, where she develops seasonal, wine-inspired dinners that showcase locally sourced ingredients and provide guests with an immersive and educational culinary experience.