Chef Matt Zagorski has spent more than 20 years teaching Chicago-area cooks how to chop, sauté, whisk, and enjoy their time in a kitchen. A passionate and award‑winning chef, he’s earned over a dozen national pie‑making titles and even enjoyed a moment in the spotlight as a featured chef on the Food Network. Students appreciate Chef Matt’s upbeat energy, approachable recipes, and the way he instantly puts people at ease. Known for turning intimidating techniques into “Oh, I can totally do this” moments, he creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, learning new skills, and having fun along the way. His classes blend culinary know‑how with stories from food history, food science, and the occasional pie‑related adventure. A proud career‑changer, Chef Matt left the corporate world to pursue his culinary training at Kendall College, a decision he jokingly refers to as the most delicious mid‑life crisis imaginable. He lives in Arlington Heights with his wife of more than 30 years, Mary, and their dog, Boomer. Their sons, Zach and Max, have grown up as mostly enthusiastic taste‑testers and lifelong beneficiaries of Dad’s “research and development.”