About Timon

The culinary heart of Chef Timon Balloo’s food draws from a broad range of international flavors. From his Chinese, Indian-Trinidadian heritage to his classic European training, to the diverse kitchens where he built his career, each step along the way has led Balloo to become the chef he is today. 

He can currently be found at The Katherine, the newest iteration with his wife, Marissa Katherine. Located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, the intimate neighborhood spot features a menu inspired from their global travels over the past couple of decades along with their combined heritages. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainability, the menu changes often. This unit marks Balloo’s core mission of celebrating culture, family, food and flavor with unmatched hospitality.  

Balloo has received an outpour of national distinctions from being recognized by The New York Times as one of “16 Most Influential Black Chefs in America,” to his 2020 James Beard Award nomination for “Best Chef South,” followed by the immense honor of becoming the 2020 recipient of the Johnson and Wales Honorary Doctorate of Culinary Arts.  His most recent accomplishments in 2023 have included a James Beard Award nomination for “Best Chef South,” and the prestige of his Thai Red Curry Yellowtail served at The Katherine being named as one of the top “23 of the Best American Dishes of 2023” by The New York Times.  Balloo’s enthusiasm and accomplishments are a testament to the passion and love he has for the culinary industry.