After making a name for himself at iconic Chicago restaurants, one local chef has returned to his childhood vacation spot to make a permanent mark on the local food scene.
Sister Lakes Brewing Company, located at 92500 County Road 690 in Dowagiac, recently announced the hire of Executive Chef Justin Paruzkiewicz. Justin brings a wealth of culinary experience to SLBC, including stints as Executive Sous Chef for the award-winning Gibsons Steakhouse in Chicago, Executive Chef at Quartino and Chef de Cuisine at Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House.
According to Sister Lakes Co-Owner and Brewmaster Brian Morin, Paruzkiewicz grew up coming to Sister lakes with his family, and made the decision to move there full time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Morin said Paruzkiewicz had been working for the brewery for a couple months before they made him executive chef in May.
“He’s already brought a lot of really great things to our place as far as creating a top-notch culinary experience to pair with our excellent beer,” Morin said. “We’ve always been known for having good food, and Justin will be putting his own mark on it and really making it a food destination here in Sister Lakes.”
Paruzkiewicz is well-versed in the fine dining experience, but Morin said the atmosphere at SLBC will not change.
“We’re a laid-back, casual family brewery,” Morin said. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fantastic food.”
Morin said Paruzkiewicz has been involved with organizing the brewery’s Town Hall, an event space where he can showcase his fine-dining skills. Recently, the brewery recently hosted a farm-to-table dinner in the space, working with Benton Harbor microfarm Sower’s Purse for a six course meal paired with six beers from the taproom.
“If people want to do rehearsal dinners or other events where they want fine dining or a more formal experience, he has the ability and experience and knowledge to make that come to fruition in that space,” Morin said. “He’s going to build upon what what we’ve had and bring it to new heights, that’s kind of the goal.”
Justin joins long-time employee and Chef, Ashley Seeley, to lead the culinary team at SLBC. Check out this summer’s new menu here, or visit the taproom to see what specials the culinary team has created.
By Ryan Yuenger
MOTM Contributor
