John Korycki

Estate Chef, Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms | Owner and Tour Guide, Chef JK Travels 

An avid cyclist and passionate advocate for healthy Mediterranean cuisine, Chef John Korycki brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to his role as Estate Chef at Black Star Farms. A graduate of The Culinary School of Kendall College in Evanston, Illinois, John’s culinary journey began in the heart of Chicago’s Polish neighborhoods, where he grew up savoring his mother’s rustic, frugal home cooking — often sourced from local Polish delis, butchers, and bakeries. His early love for pizza led to his first job as a pizzaiolo, launching a decades-long career focused on Italian cuisine. 

Chef Korycki’s career has spanned prestigious kitchens and award-winning restaurants across the country. He has twice been honored as a featured guest chef at the renowned James Beard House in New York City. 

He spent nearly half of his career under the mentorship of James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta, starting at Spiaggia in Chicago and continuing to lead acclaimed Bartolotta Group establishments including Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, Lake Park Bistro, and Milwaukee’s renowned Harbor House. His leadership extended to celebrated Italian venues such as Milano in Kansas City, Missouri, and Mino’s Italian in Winnetka, Illinois. 

Chef Korycki brought his Italian expertise to Kalamazoo, Michigan, opening Zazios Italian Restaurant with its innovative stadium-style kitchen, “The Chef’s Table,” personally cooking for guests and taking them on a journey through all of Italy’s diverse regions.  John developed relationships with the local farmers and an artisan baker to craft a seasonal, farm-to-table menu flavored with the best Italian ingredients. His partnerships with Kalamazoo’s culinary community led to organizing Chefs Against Hunger events with Ministry With Community, and his leadership as the founding Director of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Culinary Arts and Sustainable Foods Program. 

Since 2006, Chef Korycki has led annual culinary tours through Italy with his company, Chef JK Travels, offering small groups immersive food and wine experiences. When not traveling or creating seasonal menus at Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms, John enjoys cycling the picturesque roads of Michigan’s Grand Traverse area or hiking alongside his wife, Stacey. 

Where to see John