Darryl Harmon
Executive Chef

From a young age, Darryl Harmon’s mother, a certified cooking superstar in the South Jersey community where he grew up, taught him how to turn homegrown fruits and vegetables into all sorts of delectable dishes and desserts. And although he is quick to declare the women in his family as the inspiration behind his burgeoning culinary career, Darryl’s father, a local pastor, also owned and operated a dairy farm.

At 18, Darryl left for Atlantic City taking an entry-level position in a casino restaurant. A hardworking, natural talent, Darryl’s passion to succeed and all-around good nature, earned him several fast promotions. He quickly rose through the ranks, while attending culinary school, from a line cook at Bally’s to sous chef at Trump Taj Mahal and then served as Director of Food & Beverage at Omni Catering. Michael Karloutsos, whose father also happens to be an ordained minister, was immediately impressed by Darryl’s character and strong sense of family, the same qualities that are at the foundation of the Water Works Restaurant, his landmark dining destination in Philadelphia. After tasting his creations, Karloutsos confirmed that the two were a match made in heaven by offering him the job as Executive Chef.

Under his leadership, the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge has received numerous accolades including, “Top 100 Experiences” by Saveur Magazine, “Best New Restaurant” by Philadelphia Style and MainLine Today,  “Most Romantic” and “Best View” by AOL City Guide. Chef Harmon was also named “Chef of the Year” by the American Culinary Federation of South Jersey.

Over the past four and a half years, Chef Harmon has prepared intimate dinners for Vice President Joe Biden, former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharref, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, movie director Michael Bay, actor Jamie Foxx, Boyz II Men, and numerous athletes like Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Shane Victorino, Scott Hartnell, Samuel D’Alembert, Orlando Magic Basketball Team, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick. In addition to being a fine dining restaurant, the Water Works Restaurant specializes in weddings and special events. Chef Harmon has executed events such as President Obama’s Rally with the Roots, Mayor Nutter’s Welcome America, Barack Obama’s Philadelphia Primary, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Chaine des Rotisseurs, James Beard Foundation, National Football League Players Association, Dress for Success, Philadelphia Academies, Disney’s Block Party and numerous corporate events.

Chef Harmon has been featured on The Chef’s Kitchen, The 10! Show, Fox 29’s “Good Day Philadelphia”, Food Network’s South Beach and Atlantic City Food and Wine Shows, National Governors’ Chef’s Convention, Martha Stewart Book Signing, and Tea with Darren McGrady,  Princess Diana’s former chef.  Chef Harmon is also a National Brand Ambassador for Certified Angus Beef®.