EVENTS: THE ICONOCLAST DINNER CULINARY HONOREE

instagram: @khaled.w.albanna @callioperestaurant

prounouns: he/him/his

EDUCATION: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Civil Engineering

PREVIOUS: Whitebird, Whiskey Thief (Chattanooga)

CURRENTLY: Calliope Restaurant (Chattanooga)
 
WHY HE IS AMAZING: After spending his childhood in the kitchen alongside his mother in Amman, Jordan, Chef Khaled AlBanna acquired invaluable and unattainable cooking skills while also learning unique culinary traditions from a young age. He then ventured to the United States to attend college where he studied Civil Engineering at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. It was during this time when Khaled realized his true passion for culinary arts.

Continuing his journey from Executive Chef at Whiskey Thief and Whitebird Restaurant at The Edwin Hotel, Khaled pursued his goal by teaming up with Joi Mason and Raven Humphrey to create Calliope Restaurant, a place where Chef Khaled Albanna brings flavors from his childhood in Amman, Jordan to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Khaled’s southern influences combined with his unique Levantine cooking style delivers the best of both worlds. Cooking with open fire and coals to bring the Levant culture and traditions to light.

LAST NIGHT ON EARTH HE’S EATING: “With my closest people at my place and I would cook my favorites for us.”