Meet the Chefs of Château Élan

Bradley Czajka, Executive Chef

Taking the leadership role as Executive Chef of Chateau Élan, Chef Bradley Czajka supervises and manages all of our restaurants, as well as convention services. With more than 20 years of experience in Five Star resorts throughout the United States, including The Four Seasons in Houston and The Lodge at Koele, Chef Bradley is a perfect fit for Chateau Élan.

Born in Honolulu, Chef Bradley began his career at 18, when he began cooking as one of his jobs in the Air Force. His commanding officer, recognizing his talent, suggested him for an externship at Georgia’s The Cloister at Sea Island, studying under Chef Franz Buck. During his career, Chef Bradley has been featured in Travel and Leisure, won multiple awards, and cooked for several celebrities. As busy as Chef Bradley stays, he is always passionate about mentoring and growing new talent. “I am here to provide leadership and direction, but also to encourage creativity with the great core of culinary talent we already have here at Chateau Élan" says the new Executive Chef.

Justin Kurtz, Winery Chef

Born and raised in South Florida, Chef Justin began his career as a chef at the tender age of 16. He then attended Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando Florida. Before joining us at Chateau Élan, he perfected his culinary skills at The Ritz Carlton of South Miami Beach and Lake Tahoe. As our Winery Chef, Justin creates special menus and beautiful dishes for our Dinner Under the Stars in our vineyards, the Winemaker’s Dinners and Cafe Elan. However, he is most proud of his work in Le Clos, our most exclusive restaurant here at Chateau Elan.

Chef Cristian Mosquera, Sous Chef, Versailles

Hailing from Columbia, Chef Cristian brings his warm smile and his love of Mediterranean and Spanish dishes to Chateau Élan. Before joining us, Cristian held the title of Sous Chef at The Hilton Head Island Marriott. Chef Cristian enjoys providing a great experience for all of our guests at Versailles and looks forward to a long career at Chateau Elan.

Allen Summerour, Banquet Chef

Chef Allen Summerour is a proud Georgia Native with a love for Southern Fusion style cooking. He graduated from Johnson and Wales with the honors of summa cum laude. Chef Allen was last employed by the Georgia Club, where his attention to detail and unique style was recognized in 2011 as Chef of the Year in Barrow County.

Cody Smith, Chef de Partie

Please join us in congratulating Chef Cody Smith in his new role as Chef de Partie! Before joining us in 2010, Chef Cody had extensive experience at several local restaurants, including the prestigious Kevin Rathbun’s Steakhouse in Atlanta. Although he loves the variety of cuisine at Chateau Élan, his personal favorite to create is “Southern Comfort Food” with a new twist.

Luis Rodriguez, Sous Chef Versailles

After learning to cook at a young age while at his Dad’s side, Chef Luis received formal training at the Johnson and Wales Institute of South Florida. Born in Puerto Rico, his favorite dishes have a Latin influence. Chef Luis enjoys making the perfect Cuban Sandwich and he is particularly fond of dishes that are rich and full of flavor. Before joining us in 2012, he gained experience working under Chef Bradley at the Royal Palm in South Beach Miami, as well as other resorts.