A native of Charleston, Chef John Ondo comes to us with over 20 years of experience. Having earned degrees in hospitality management and culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of Charleston, he extended his education in Italian cuisine with experience in several prominent Italian kitchens, notably Il Cortile Del Re. He developed further knowledge of broader cuisines and techniques in the kitchens of institutions like McCrady’s and Carolina’s. His unpretentious presentations of “just good food” got their own showcase when Ondo launched Lana in Charleston in 2005. He was involved in every aspect from construction to the sale of the restaurant in 2017. Chef Ondo was recently honorably selected by the governor to serve as one of three 2022 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors. He continues to thrive as the Executive Chef of The Atlantic Room and Ryder Cup Bar at The Ocean Course, while also an adjunct professor at the Culinary Institute of Charleston.