Nat Calderon
Chef Nat has always loved the culinary arts, a talent inherited from his grandmother, and decided to pursue what he was naturally gifted at. Realizing the work would be hard, but knowing his passion wouldn’t allow him to lose —
Armed with determination and craving for success, Chef Nat began his culinary career in Chicago at the Bracket Room in UIC Village. Here is where he met Chef Corey Rice, who was about to change his life forever. Chef Corey quickly became an inspirational mentor for Chef Nat, providing guidance, support, and knowledge, molding him into the creative chef that he is as well as helping open doors to new and unique opportunities.
Chef Nat has worked in Chicago at Houlihan’s, Bracket Room, and most recently is at the Freehand Hotel, The Broken Shaker Room. Most notably, however, was his debut culinary competition performance at the 2022 Chicago Culinary Fight Festival, alongside his mentor Chef Corey Rice.
Always excited about the goodness of food, both in nutrients and taste, Chef Nat recently started his own catering business, Papi’s Kitchen & Catering. Chef Nat is new to the professional culinary scene, but his appetite for success, thirst for new culinary opportunities, and hunger for the culinary arts will keep him in the game for years to come.
“I thank Chef Corey for believing in me and guiding me, he is the reason I am where I am today.”
