Simon Davies grew up in California surrounded by music and the arts, in an environment that fueled an artistic mind that has been a driving force in his culinary pursuits.

He has had a life-long affinity for the kitchen and has experience working in some of the worlds most acclaimed restaurants including Alinea – a restaurant that, during his tenure, was on the World’s 50 Best list and maintained 3 Michelin stars. His strong work ethic, relentless drive, and inspired creativity took him to the title of Chef de Cuisine in 2014 and then Executive Chef in early 2018.

After leaving Alinea, Simon founded ilixr Creative with the goal of curating one-of-a-kind experiences centered around food, while also creating a business model that supports talent and those behind the scenes. He is committed to creating unique and memorable experiences through food. His continued travels have inspired a cuisine that is globally influenced and studied, with an approach to food that is deeply rooted in culture.

Simon has been featured on such lists as Forbes 30 Under 30, Crain’s 20 In Their 20s, and Zagat 30 Under 30.

Jill Zimorski is one of only 269 Master Sommeliers in the world. She has been at the forefront of some of the most acclaimed wine and beverage programs in the country, including her time as Wine Director of The Alinea Group.

In 2016, Zimorski left the restaurant world to take the position of Champagne Specialist representing the Champagnes of the Moët Hennessy portfolio (Krug, Ruinart, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot & Moët & Chandon) and now represents their entire portfolio of Champagnes, still wines & spirits. She has also earned her Diploma, with Merit, in Wines & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust & is a French Wine Scholar with Highest Honors. Jill is an educator with the American Wine School in Chicago, teaching all levels of WSET Wine & Spirits classes and is a contributor to the SommTV network for both her series “Study Hall,” and her weekly podcast “Reading & Drinking” where she reviews wine books.

Steve is currently the Midwest Regional Manager for the importer The Sorting Table, but he began working with wine seriously in 2004 under the tutelage of Belinda Chang at Osteria Via Stato and instantly fell for Italian wine.

In 2008 he officially began a career and a sommelier under Morgan Rich at Del Posto. Looking to expand his knowledge he worked at The Dressler, Ai Fiori, and landed at Tribeca Grill where he was lucky enough to be head sommelier under David Gordon of its Wine Spectator Grand Award winning list. During the winter of 2013 Steve joined the sommelier team at Michelin three star restaurant, Alinea. In 2015 he moved to become the opening wine director at Formento’s for which he would win Best Of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and the Best Medium Sized Wine List in the World from World of Fine Wine. Steve co-founded Squire Wine Company which helps introduce small artisanal California producers to the Illinois market. He is also the co-creator of Champagne Happy Hour, an event centered around allowing people to taste Champagnes they have probably never tried before.