NEW YORK’S HOTTEST
TALENT LIVES HERE!
The Lineup is a dinner series highlighting the best cooks working the line at New York’s top restaurants.
As Featured In
EXECUTIVE CHEF FOR A NIGHT…
Line cooks are the workhorses of any restaurant, diligently executing the vision of their head chef every single service. In the restaurant, their success is determined by their ability to execute rote tasks without any loss of enthusiasm.
The Lineup flips the script, offering a platform for these talented individuals to bring their culinary vision to life.
MEET OUR LINEUP OF COOKS WHO STEPPED INTO THE SPOTLIGHT FOR IN SEASON 5
CDC - UNION SQUARE CAFE
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Christian Czernicki initially pursued an academic path at Northwestern University in Chicago, but his passion for cooking soon led him to change course. He left Chicago to attend the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York. After completing his training, Christian secured his first role at the renowned Bouley restaurant in Tribeca, where his commitment to culinary excellence deepened.
From there, he went on to work at acclaimed establishments such as Gwynnett Street and Betony, before joining powerhouse Italian restaurants like Carbone and Marta. It was at Marta where he met mentor Lena Ciardullo. Now the Chef de Cuisine at Union Square Cafe, Christian brings together his Italian culinary foundation with bold Korean and Southeast Asian influences to create a distinct, inspired menu.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7TH
EXECUTIVE SOUS - AGI’S COUNTER
Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Chef Sara Pagan's passion for cooking began in her childhood, inspired by her father, who honed his culinary skills during his years as a Navy cook. Determined to turn her love for cooking into a profession, she pursued formal training at the renowned Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island, earning a degree in culinary arts.
Sara’s career took a turn when she crossed paths with chef Jeremy Solomon, who enlisted her as his sous chef to help open Agi's Counter in 2021. Together, they built a restaurant that quickly garnered attention for its inventive and playful menu.
Sara’s dishes are inspired by the chain restaurant classics she grew up loving, but with a whimsical twist. She transforms familiar favorites into imaginative creations, offering diners a nostalgic yet entirely new experience—like a culinary version of Willy Wonka reinventing Applebee’s, where childhood memories meet bold innovation.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21ST
EXECUTIVE SOUS - SOFREH
Hailing from the lush island of Grenada, Josh Buckmire's love for cooking was sparked by a memorable day spent following his aunt to her job in a bustling kitchen. This experience ignited a passion that led him to attend culinary school in Grenada, after which he quickly climbed the ranks at some of the island’s most esteemed resort restaurants. After years of perfecting his craft, a chance opportunity brought Josh to the U.S., where he cooked at various country clubs in Westchester and served as a private chef, further refining his skills.
Eager to make his mark in New York City, Josh eventually joined the team at Sofreh in Brooklyn under the guidance of chef Nasim Alikhani. His menu is a heartfelt homage to the rich, bold flavors of his homeland, Grenada, while incorporating a delicate touch of Middle Eastern influences inspired by his tenure at Sofreh. Through his cooking, Josh aims to introduce the vibrant cuisine of Grenada to a broader audience, infusing each dish with personal creativity and global inspiration.
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