Executive Chef Oliver Philpott

Oliver Philpott’s earliest memories are of cooking with his family. Two generations of gardeners and cooks taught him the fundamentals of farm-to-table cooking. Digging potatoes, picking fresh fruits, and creating feasts were part of daily life.

Before discovering his passion for food, Oliver pursued a degree in physics at the University of Illinois. Upon the realization that his true love was food and not physics, the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon became home.  Having both the ocean and wine country at his disposal, Oliver gleaned all he could from these bountiful resources. He received an invaluable education at culinary school, graduating with honors, and was ready to set the world ablaze.

After school, Oliver and his wife Shannon moved back to his hometown of Champaign, Illinois to open a fine dining restaurant and full-scale catering company. Even though both endeavors proved extremely successful, Oliver decided that more knowledge was necessary, and wanted another career challenge. 

Oliver accepted the position of Chef de Cuisine at La Tour Restaurant in April 2010, where his considerable talent and knowledge coalesce to lead the restaurant to new heights.