At BIÂN, dining is more than nourishment—it’s about connection, care, and celebrating life’s moments. At the helm of this transformative culinary experience is Chef Ryan Maher, whose passion for food and hospitality has elevated dining into an art form. Whether designing bespoke menus for special events or hosting hands-on pasta-making sessions, Chef Ryan brings a thoughtful, intentional approach to every dish.

From Family Kitchen to BIÂN’s Culinary Leader

Chef Ryan’s culinary journey began with his mother in their family kitchen. “We would bake together as early as two years old,” he shares. “She was extremely patient and taught me all the important things about food.” That early passion led him to culinary school at Kendall College and a series of opportunities across Orlando, Miami, and Chicago. His time working at Boka restaurant under Lee Wolen proved pivotal, teaching him the value of precision, creativity, and leadership.

Since joining BIÂN at its inception four years ago, Chef Ryan has brought that same intentionality to his work, constantly learning and evolving. “The cooking journey never ends,” he says. “There are always new techniques to learn and experiences to explore.”

Custom Menus for Unique Events

One of Chef Ryan’s specialties is crafting menus as unique as the events they’re designed for. From a traditional Shabbat dinner to a vibrant Indian wedding feast, or even a baseball-themed meal for a Dinner & Conversation with Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs, Chef Ryan tailors each menu to reflect the occasion and the host’s vision.

“It’s important to first get a good feel of what the host is looking for,” he explains. Through conversations and thoughtful research, Chef Ryan and his team immerse themselves in unfamiliar cuisines to ensure authenticity and excellence. “Cooking for someone is a big responsibility and a privilege, never to be taken lightly.”

Whether recreating a cherished family recipe or sourcing specific ingredients to accommodate dietary preferences, Chef Ryan’s menus are designed to evoke joy and connection. “It’s exciting to remind someone of a memorable moment they’ve had with family or friends through food,” he says.

Wellness-Driven Dining: A BIÂN Philosophy

At BIÂN, wellness is woven into every aspect of the member experience, including dining. Chef Ryan’s philosophy aligns perfectly with this holistic approach: “Cooking is about taking care of people, and this is a universal language. Food should be prepared with intention and lots of care, with respect to the ingredients and the people that grew them.”

By focusing on fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and mindful preparation, the culinary offerings at BIÂN enhance the sense of wellness and community that define the club. While Chef Ryan has crafted fully plant-based menus for BIÂN events in the past, the emphasis is always on flavor, texture, and care—showcasing how food can be both nourishing and exciting. “Animal products can bring awesome flavor, but there are equally exciting ways to build flavor and texture without them,” he notes.

Interactive Culinary Experiences: The Art of Pasta-Making

For members looking to engage with food in a hands-on way, Chef Ryan’s pasta-making sessions are a standout offering. These sessions aren’t just about technique—they’re about creating a memorable experience for families, friends, or even colleagues as a team-building event.

“Pasta-making is one of my favorites because it involves a significant amount of craftsmanship,” Chef Ryan shares. Guests roll up their sleeves to learn traditional techniques, working with simple, humble ingredients like flour and water to create culinary magic. From learning to knead and shape dough to exploring the tools and tricks of the trade, participants gain an appreciation for the artistry behind their favorite pasta dishes.

The event culminates in a shared meal where guests enjoy their handmade creations in a cozy, communal setting—a perfect way to celebrate the fruits of their labor.

The Power of Food to Build Community

Chef Ryan believes that food has the power to enhance community in any setting, but it’s especially rewarding at BIÂN. “Food goes beyond just providing nutrients and energy,” he says. “In our private club setting, the community becomes very familiar. Everyone knows each other, and the connection can be strengthened over food.”

Through his thoughtful approach to menu creation, his respect for ingredients, and his passion for bringing people together, Chef Ryan exemplifies how food can be a cornerstone of wellness and connection.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Culinary Exploration

Chef Ryan’s passion for creating memorable dining experiences doesn’t stop at BIÂN’s walls. Looking to the future, he envisions new and exciting ways to engage members with food. Destination retreats are high on his list—immersive culinary journeys where members can explore local cuisines, ingredients, and traditions, possibly collaborating with regional chefs for an unforgettable experience.

Closer to home, Chef Ryan is excited to explore themed events that challenge creativity and spark conversation. Imagine a winter wild game dinner featuring expertly crafted dishes that highlight the bold flavors of the season or a hands-on fish butchery class where members can learn new skills and connect with the origins of their meals.

With every idea, the focus remains the same: crafting opportunities for members to gather, learn, and connect over the shared language of food.

Experience Culinary Excellence at BIÂN

From personalized event menus to interactive dining experiences, Chef Ryan Maher ensures every bite tells a story of care, community, and creativity. Whether you’re planning a unique celebration or seeking a deeper connection with food, BIÂN’s culinary offerings promise to nourish both body and soul.

Private events at BIÂN are open to the public, no membership required! However, members do receive preferred pricing on all experiences. For inquiries about custom menus or private events, contact us at events@livebian.com or complete our inquiry form here.