Ilya ShestitkoCommunity profile

Ilya hails from the sunny region of Kazakhstan, specifically from the coastal city of Aktau on the Caspian Sea.

The chef shares: "My journey as a cook began about 7 years ago, driven by a strong desire to learn how to cook. I graduated from university with a degree in engineering, a field unrelated to the food industry.

Driven by a passion for creating delicious food, I had to work incredibly hard. I worked with renowned chefs, learning from more experienced colleagues. I held various positions, including hot kitchen cook, cold kitchen cook, pizza chef, sushi chef, shift supervisor, sous chef, and head chef of the sushi bar.

About a year and a half ago, Rakusa Group offered me the opportunity to work as a chef in a new project called "Pasta on the Bar." I worked there for a year, and it was a demanding and responsible role. It was a bit daunting, as it was my first experience managing an entire operation, where you are responsible for everything from ordering and receiving ingredients to preparing semi-finished products and plating dishes. I gained a lot of new knowledge and experience.

Six months ago, I was offered the opportunity to take charge of the flagship restaurant "DOM," and I was excited to test my skills in a larger and more complex project."