Iva Lee’s has a very innovative and talented chef, Chef Christopher Starr. Chef Christopher Starr creates dishes that are based upon concepts and cooking techniques that he feels would best represent the flavors of the south and the tastes of Iva Lee. He takes classic southern recipes and put a modern twist on them. He takes great pride in preparing and serving delicious meals for the enjoyment of their welcomed friends.

Chef Christopher Starr was born and raised in California. He realized at an early age that he wanted to become a chef. During high school, he interned at the Dana Point Resort.  He started at Iva Lee's shortly after Iva Lee's opened in 2002.  Christopher immediately was discovered to be quite the star in Iva Lee's kitchen.  After working and rising up the ranks in Iva Lee's kitchen, Christopher decided to increase his culinary education and went to school at the Culinary Institute of America regarded as the best cooking school in America (and possibly the world).

Once Chef Starr graduated, we asked him to come back to Iva Lee's.  We were overjoyed that he returned.  Chef Starr loves to challenge himself in discovering new ways to cook Southern & Creole cuisine.