Chef / Owner: Bart Kuliczkowski
Sages is a dream come true for Bart. Born in Zielona Gora, Poland, he came with his mother to the U.S. in 1986. Unable to speak a word of English he took a job at Tosoni’s in Bellevue, WA. Working side by side with famous Chef/Owner Walter Walcher at the ripe age of 14, Bart learned everything he could about preparing fine cuisine. Walter became his mentor and took him under his wing, even teaching him how to drive a car.
Bart went on to work alongside the Executive Chef at the Bellevue Hyatt Hotel. While employed there he attended Seattle School of Culinary Art and graduated in 1992. After his employment at the Hyatt, and now speaking full English, he took the Executive Chef position at Ristorante Paradiso in downtown Kirkland. He was there for 10 years and learned all he could about the operation side of owning a successful restaurant. With a little nudge from his wife Jerri, it was time for him to open his own restaurant. He knew the Culinary Arts and now he knew Operations.
With the grand opening of Sages in January 2001, Bart’s loyal clientele have watched his career blossom into one the most respected Chefs on the Eastside. Some of his regular customers remember him as just a young teenager working in the kitchen at Tosoni’s in Bellevue.
His dishes are simple and elegant, delivering depth of flavor and appeal that come from mastering the culinary arts. Bart prepares all the orders himself with no side Chefs. You may find your order takes a little longer, but you will find it’s worth the wait. Furthermore, he enjoys making sauces, soups and homemade desserts. He ensures only the freshest and finest ingredients are used at Sages. Now in his late thirties, he has spent more than half of his life in the kitchen.
With frequent visits to the dining room, Bart loves to mingle with his regulars. Don’t be surprised if you get a visit from him. You will come to find out that he is very personable and really cares about his customers dining experience.
In addition to being a Chef and his love for the culinary arts, Bart is also a licensed Mortgage Originator. He enjoys helping people get home loans. His other hobbies include new car consulting, playing tennis and spending time with his wife Jerri, his son Zac and their first born, Bailey the Boxer.
With his wife Jerri as Events Planner and Co-Owner, he is now pursuing his dream.