Peach Connection

Originally from New York, Gary Donlick was the son of a high level IBM executive who traveled the globe, and then hosted his international associates in his home.  The variety of cuisines that were featured in these intimate and grand parties introduced and intrigued Gary to the world of hospitality and the art of fine dining.  This lifestyle evolved into a disciplined and exciting career for Gary Donlick.

Gary went on to graduate from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.  He then joined the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group in Atlanta, founded by famous restaurateur Pano Karatassos, and started working in the kitchens at the power dining establishments of Chops and the Lobster Bar.  From 1997-2001 he served as the Executive Chef at the glamorous 103 West.  In 2001 he became the Executive Chef at Pano's & Paul's, a flagship of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, long considered an Atlanta institution for luxury fine dining with its four-star, four-diamond, and Nation's Fine Dining Hall of Fame status.

The Creative American menu at Pano's & Paul's has been designed not to confuse, but to titillate and comfort.  Chef Gary's style emphasizes the importance of preparing food that people are excited to eat because they do not prepare it at home, yet it is not intimidating.  His specialty is perhaps his ability to create great dishes from the best items available at any given time, and he stresses that simplicity exposes great flavors.  Chef Gary's kitchen of 16 professionals strives to prepare every item just right every single evening.

Chef Gary participates in many civic and charitable events as part of his commitment to the industry and the community.  He and his wife, Kim, reside in Alpharetta.  In his leisure time, Gary enjoys golfing, fishing, teaching cooking classes, and organic gardening.