About

Andrew Spear began his culinary career in his hometown of New Orleans and is currently the chef/owner of Crying Onion: a catering company, private event space and (fingers crossed) post-covid restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. Pivoting during the pandemic, Andrew launched Crying Onion:CURATED - a line of knives, furniture, jewelry and custom woodworking. Visit cryingonion.com for more details.

Lee Syrjanen is a professional marketer and founder of Syrj LLC. Chicago is home for Lee, but his love for cooking developed during his formative years in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He has spent the last 10 years honing his skills in the kitchen, and is fascinated by the ability of food to bring people together.