Meet Our Chefs

CAROL BUCKANTZ, EXECUTIVE CHEF
Graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a Culinary Arts, Bachelors of Science Degree in Food Service Management and Food Service Education. 

Carol's experience started with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in 1993, where she was an Executive Chef for 11 years. She moved on to work as a Corporate Culinary Operations Manager for two years traveling the country opening new hotels, training new chefs, menu training, and troubleshooting. In 1998 Carol won the Chef of the Year award in 1998 for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts! Carol has also worked as the Executive Chef for Entourage Restaurant in Schaumburg . 

In 2007, Carol took her extensive experience and opened Moveable Gourmet, a gourmet takeout, catering and cooking school which catered events from 2 - 500 people teaching cooking classes in-store and in homes.

SIMONETTE GALLARDO, HEAD PASTRY CHEF
Graduate of UVM University in Mexico with a Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts. Simonette's past work experience includes working as the Kitchen Manager for 2 years at Wolfgang Puck Café Gourmet in Warrenville, IL. Simonette worked directly with Wolfgang himself! Simonette credits this hands on learning experience the best in her career. She maintained positions at Wolfgang Puck and Indian Lakes Resort until Wolfgang Puck closed due to low occupancy.  

At Hilton Indian Lakes Resort, Simonette started as Garmage before getting promoted to Kitchen Supervisor and then made her way to her current position as the Head Pastry Chef. Take a bite out of one of her delicious desserts that she hand crafts at Shiraz on the Water!