Joseph-Max Hibler of Vangel's Restaurant & Bar is Ford Hotel Supply's Chef of the Month

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Chef of the Month is sponsored by Ford Hotel Supply.

Position: Executive Chef

Married? No, currently engaged

Kids? Proud father of 5

Where are you originally from? St. Louis, MO

Where did you go to school? Ritenour High School, Forest Park Culinary Program

How did you get to where you are? Growing up I always knew I wanted to be in the kitchen. My first job was at Charlie Gitto's Downtown. It was a restaurant that my dad worked at while I was growing up. I started, like most people do, as a dishwasher and eventually moved to sautée and multiple other positions on the line. Being a chef isn't an easy road to take, but I dedicated my life and energy to this and it's amazing to be living out my dreams right now as an executive chef and running my own kitchen.

New things going on in your restaurant: Being a new restaurant, it's very challenging, but fun, because we're constantly developing new dishes and new ways to provide our customers the most enjoyable experience we can. One of my favorite things we've done is host a 4-course wine paired dinner. I got to really explore my creative side while creating that menu. I know my team and I are excited to start planning the next one!

Favorite menu item: Our shrimp scampi

Three cool facts:
• Recently had triplets. It's been a wild and exciting experience.
• I enjoy gaming - my favorite game is God of War.
• I can dunk a basketball

What is your favorite piece of equipment or kitchen item? My favorite piece of equipment is my Nakari knife.

Vangel's Restaurant & Bar, 10017 Manchester Road, St. Louis, vangelsrestaurant.com