ECC alumnus who cooked for President Obama returns for Visiting Chef Dinner

Elgin Community College’s Culinary department is proud to welcome back alumnus executive chef Douglas Yeomans for a special Visiting Chef dinner on Thursday, October 30, at 6 pm. His 25-year career includes working alongside renowned celebrity chefs and catering to many high-profile clients, including former President Barack Obama and celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, the late Anna Nicole Smith, and Kid Rock. 

The event will be held at 6 pm in ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, located at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Illinois, in Building H, Arts Center. Earlier in the day, Yeomans will meet with culinary students for a live demo at 9:30 am. 

“It’s always exciting to have alumni come back and cook with our students—they’re proof that success in the industry is within reach,” said Jenn Loiacano, director of Spartan Terrace. “They bring fresh skills, real-world stories, and tons of inspiration. The four-course dinner that evening is one of the highlights of the semester!”

His diverse culinary journey has taken him from leading successful Italian and Latin restaurants to overseeing high-end steakhouses, country clubs, and exclusive suites at Arlington International and Churchill Downs racetracks. He also managed American Airlines’ international first-class dining program at O’Hare International Airport. He has spent more than seven years inspiring others through community education courses as a culinary instructor.

Classically trained in French cuisine, Chef Doug brings remarkable versatility and creativity to every menu he creates. Whether orchestrating large-scale events or curating intimate dining experiences, his passion for food and meticulous attention to detail are evident in every dish.

As a proud ECC alumnus, Chef Doug is excited to return to campus to connect with students and the community, sharing his expertise, creativity, and love of the culinary arts.

The evening’s menu includes:

• Fresh tropical seafood ceviche
• Bronze cut linguini in prosciutto-infused smoky Romano cream
• Black pepper-espresso rubbed braised short rib
• Spiced pavlova with brandied white chocolate crème anglaise  

Tickets can be purchased at this link or by calling the ECC box office at 847-622-0300.

General questions can be directed to the Director of Spartan Terrace, Jenn Loiacano, by calling 847-214-7822 or by emailing spartanterrace@elgin.edu. 

Media inquiries can be directed to news@elgin.edu.