Meet the Readers: Alan Lake

Chef/percussionist/writer/reprobate and lover of all things beautiful & delicious, Chef Alan Lake's culinary career includes East Bank Club in Chicago; Sunset Marquis in W. Hollywood; Izakaya Hiwatta in Ichinomia Japan and legendary nightclub Purpur in Zurich, Switzerland. Working around the world for over four decades, he's won numerous awards, professional competitions and distinctions. He’s the author of Home Cookin' – The Stories Behind The Food and The Garlic Manifesto — a history of garlic going back 10,000 years to Neolithic caves and contains facts, fiction, folklore, myths and legends (besides 100 recipes).

A lifelong musician, Lake plays 70+ percussion instruments. He coined the term “Jazzfood” to describe his cooking style, i.e., “solid technique coupled with tasteful improvisation.” He views his food as he does his music and writing, and has been known to bust a pout if subpar in any way.

Please join Alan and our other great readers on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf. Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 7:30. It's free, and 21-and-over. Please RSVP on Facebook.