Honoring
Felipe Andrés Hernandez:
Felipe Andrés Hernandez:
..A Legacy of Passion, Kindness, and Culinary Art
Felipe Andrés Hernandez
34, of Chicago. Passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2024 after a tragic accident.
'Life is complex. It gives and takes, possesses possibilities and limitations, offers gifts, and then curses us. I, unfortunately, never had the honor of meeting Chef Felipe, and I feel extremely torn having The Evolved Network benefit from the loss of his life. As honored as I feel to be trusted with this kindness as a reflection of his legacy, I hurt for his family, friends, and all who loved him. Everything I hear about Chef Felipe is incredible. It's clear the world lost someone special, but I promise The Evolved Network will work every day to honor who he was and how those who gave ensured he was properly remembered. We can never replace what he meant to you all, but we will do our best to support every kid we serve to live out their dreams with the same passion, care, and thoughtfulness Chef Felipe did.'
-Sebastian White, founder of The Evolved Network
Born on March 20, 1990 to loving parents Alfred and Irma, Felipe immediately filled the lives of those around him with joy. He discovered his love for cooking and hospitality in high school, through the Hammond Area Career Center – which inspired him to study culinary arts at Kendall College in Chicago. From there, he went on to work at many notable restaurants in Chicago and Michigan, including Greenbush Brewery, Bistro Campagne, The Bedford, Takito Kitchen, and El Che Bar. Most recently, he served as the Chef de Cuisine at Funkenhausen. At the time of his passing, he was about to embark on the next chapter of his career as co-owner of Common Decency / Fever Dream, a highly anticipated bar and restaurant in Chicago. His numerous accomplishments and tireless dedication to his craft will live forever in the mark he left throughout the city of Chicago.
Some context to this story...I was hiking in California with one of my best friends—she studied botany, so whenever we're on the trail she stops to explain the local plant life to me. It makes me feel like a secret world is being revealed to me. Well, I shared some pictures of my trip with Felipe, and he started describing some of the same plant families and their characteristics, just like my botanist friend. I admit...I was rendered speechless. I knew chefs should know about ingredients, but this was another level entirely—botanist level. After peppering him (pun intended) with a bunch of questions like "How'd you learn that" or "What made you want to look that up," I sat in awe of his deep curiosity and the profound passion that drove him to explore well above and far beyond for his craft. Of course, it's what made Felipe the true creator...the artist...that he was.
The thing of it is, that curiosity and passion weren't limited to the culinary arts. Like many who knew him, I came to see that same drive for deep knowledge around the many things he loved, like music, the sci-fi horror genre and Cthulhu Mythos, poetry, and so much more. I am so grateful to have learned about the secret worlds he revealed to me. I'm even more grateful to have known such a thoughtful, kind, empathetic, generous, wonderfully complex, and genuine soul like his. One of a kind.
The thing of it is, that curiosity and passion weren't limited to the culinary arts. Like many who knew him, I came to see that same drive for deep knowledge around the many things he loved, like music, the sci-fi horror genre and Cthulhu Mythos, poetry, and so much more. I am so grateful to have learned about the secret worlds he revealed to me. I'm even more grateful to have known such a thoughtful, kind, empathetic, generous, wonderfully complex, and genuine soul like his. One of a kind.
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The one thing that I always remembered about Felipe was how he could just make you smile at any time. When you were with him, you couldn't go long without laughing at something silly coming out of his mouth, or something goofy he did.
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He was always so patient and helpful with me when asking him how to use kitchen gadgets. He was a staple in the service industry, his talent was unmatched and his kindness will always be remembered.
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The one thing that I always remembered about Felipe was how he could just make you smile at any time. When you were with him, you couldn't go long without laughing at something silly coming out of his mouth, or something goofy he did.
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He was always so patient and helpful with me when asking him how to use kitchen gadgets. He was a staple in the service industry, his talent was unmatched and his kindness will always be remembered.
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Shortly after opening Funkenhausen, I convinced Felipe to pay DnD with some friends and me. It was a beautiful and unique part of him, that was able to tell stories and make people laugh with perfect comedic timing. He was the brightest light when I would come into work. He hugged with his entire soul.
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He was a kind and patient chef, a wonderful friend, an amazing cook, and one of the few people I’ve met in my life who I clicked with right away. For so many of us, myself included, he gave an instantly forthcoming, warm spirit.
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Shortly after opening Funkenhausen, I convinced Felipe to pay DnD with some friends and me. It was a beautiful and unique part of him, that was able to tell stories and make people laugh with perfect comedic timing. He was the brightest light when I would come into work. He hugged with his entire soul.
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He was a kind and patient chef, a wonderful friend, an amazing cook, and one of the few people I’ve met in my life who I clicked with right away. For so many of us, myself included, he gave an instantly forthcoming, warm spirit.
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He was so passionate about getting his restaurant up and running. He spoke with such focus and determination, but more importantly heart. I was enamored by his good heart and easygoing nature. I was excited to see his restaurant and support him. Listening to him speak inspired me and encouraged me to never stop running the race, it reminded me that good people are all around us. He reminded me that it’s beautiful to dream and attack those dreams with a fervent spirit.
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He was so passionate about getting his restaurant up and running. He spoke with such focus and determination, but more importantly heart. I was enamored by his good heart and easygoing nature. I was excited to see his restaurant and support him. Listening to him speak inspired me and encouraged me to never stop running the race, it reminded me that good people are all around us. He reminded me that it’s beautiful to dream and attack those dreams with a fervent spirit.
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Felipe was one of the nicest and most genuine people I had the pleasure of knowing. He was so full of life and joy and always uplifting those around him.
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Felipe was such a gentleman, so sweet, and so fun. I always felt lucky to be his friend.
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Felipe was one of the nicest and most genuine people I had the pleasure of knowing. He was so full of life and joy and always uplifting those around him.
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Felipe was such a gentleman, so sweet, and so fun. I always felt lucky to be his friend.
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On behalf of The Evolved Network, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the generous donations made in memory of Felipe Andrés Hernandez. Felipe's profound passion for culinary arts and his dedication to kindness and community perfectly resonate with our mission at The Evolved Network. Your contributions will support our experiential programs in culinary and gardening, empowering youth in systemically oppressed communities with transformative healing, skills, and the support they need to evolve into masters of their unique gifts. Through your generosity, Felipe’s legacy will continue to inspire and nurture the talents and dreams of many young individuals.