MEET THE CHEF: Chef Julio Genao of PRIME: An American Kitchen & Bar in Stamford, Connecticut
We sat down with Executive Chef Julio Genao of PRIME: An American Kitchen & Bar in Stamford, Connecticut. Defined by both innovative departures and classic dishes, PRIME offers a curated raw bar, world-class sushi and USDA Prime 35-day dry aged beef paired with enhancements, as well as classic steakhouse side dishes and fantastic modern creations.
MEET THE CHEF: Rodrigo Quijano of The Boulder Swim Club in Boulder, Colorado
We sat down with Executive Chef Rodrigo Quijano of Boulder Swim Club, Boulder’s only outdoor swimming pool and bar, in Boulder, Colorado. The Boulder Swim Club is focused on developing relationships with local and sustainable vendors. So, take in the views of the Flatirons, while enjoying your delicious food and drink poolside.
MEET THE CHEF: Albert Tran of Alouette Bistro at Hotel Le Soleil in Vancouver, British Columbia
We sat down with Executive Chef Albert Tran of Alouette Bistro at Hotel Le Soleil in Vancouver, British Columbia. Alouette borrows its culinary philosophies from the enduring dishes and methods of classic French bistros and invigorates them utilizing West Coast flavors.
MEET THE CHEF: Shaun Anthony of The Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, California
We sat down with Executive Chef Shaun Anthony of The Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, California. Overlooking the lawns of Beverly Cañon Gardens, The Terrace has a Mediterranean feel with the charm of a European piazza, with white parasols, seasonally-driven menus, and a cascading fountain within earshot.
MEET THE CHEF: Xavier Toro of Rare 125 in Miramar, San Juan, Puerto Rico
We sat down with Executive Chef Xavier Toro of Rare 125 in the Miramar neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Consistently ranked as one of the “hottest” restaurants in San Juan. Rare 125 offers an expanse of carefully selected dishes from their famous Beef Tenderloin Au Poivre, to fresh seafood, like wild-caught salmon. Known as Miramar’s “hidden gem,” Rare 125 is a must-visit in San Juan.
MEET THE CHEF: Jesikah Stolaroff of Vim Dining and Desserts in Santa Cruz, California
We sat down with Executive Chef Jesikah Stolaroff of Vim Dining & Desserts in Santa Cruz, California. Chef Jesikah specializes in New American cuisine with a nod toward her family’s Italian roots, joined by unforgettable, innovative desserts — while bringing the feeling of home together with local ingredients and refined technique to create food that fills the heart, in the heart of Santa Cruz.
MEET THE CHEF: Steve Taplin of Bar Reverie in Greenville, Delaware
We sat down with Executive Chef Steve Taplin of Bar Reverie in Greenville, Delaware. Bar Reverie is a cafe by day, travel-inspired dining by night, wine bar restaurant featuring modern American cuisine. The menus feature favorites like hand-cut steaks, fresh pasta, and exciting new contemporary dishes like the crowd-favorite seared scallops with sweet potato, cranberry, and king trumpet mushroom.
MEET THE CHEF: Julija Bašić of Imperial Terrace at Hilton Imperial in Dubrovnik, Croatia
We sat down with Executive Chef Julija Basic of Imperial Terrace at Hilton Imperial in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Croatian roots and exceptional hospitality create an environment to savor Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist from the seasonally-inspired menu. Dishes are created using ingredients sourced from the freshest local produce. Imperial Terrace has the best upscale al fresco dining in Dubrovnik.
MEET THE CHEF: Tim Howard of Café Dodici in Washington, Iowa
We sat down with Executive Chef Tim Howard of Café Dodici in Washington, Iowa. Enjoy a dining experience with both local and imported ingredients from Italy — each dish skillfully prepared in a welcoming, refined dining environment. This is the best chef-driven restaurant in Washington, Iowa.
MEET THE CHEF: Alex Romines-Ditton of Copper Spoon in Fort Wayne, Indiana
We sat down with Executive Chef Alex Romines-Ditton of Copper Spoon in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Copper Spoon's culinary team serves locally-sourced food whenever possible, and strives to impress both Fort Wayne locals and out-of-town foodies alike. The restaurant also supports the local food scene by establishing and maintaining relationships with many local food suppliers and farmers.
MEET THE CHEF: Milan Dolejš of Brasserie The Julius at The Julius Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic
We sat down with Executive Chef Milan Dolejš of Brasserie The Julius at The Julius in Prague, Czech Republic. Enjoy delicious dishes for lunch and dinner with wine pairings and handcrafted cocktails. Indulge into Italian design, impeccable service cherished for 160 years, and an exquisite menu carefully created by love for you to enjoy by Executive Chef Milan Dolejš of Brasserie The Julius.
MEET THE CHEF: Alan Napier of Petit and Keet in Little Rock, Arkansas
We sat down with Executive Chef Alan Napier of Petit and Keet in Little Rock, Arkansas. This culinary-driven dining destination offers a variety of seasonal menu items, using local products and ingredients as much as possible.
MEET THE CHEF: William Valentine of Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails in Macon, Georgia
We sat down with Executive Chef William Valentine of Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails in Macon, Georgia. Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails offers a taste of Asian-inspired comfort food, with a pinch of Southern flair, in a comfortable, upscale environment. When you combine that with ownership and co-workers that love and support me — well, it’s a really rare, unique and empowering place to work.
MEET THE CHEF: Antonio Coppola of Luna Italian Cuisine in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
We sat down with Executive Chef Antonio Coppola of Luna Italian Cuisine in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. "What I find most fulfilling about serving as the Executive Chef at Luna Italian Cuisine is the opportunity to share my heritage, culture, and passion for cooking with the vibrant local community of Mechanicsburg. Vi aspetto!
MEET THE CHEF: Edimar Vazquez of Marmalade Restaurant in San Juan, Puerto Rico
We sat down with Executive Chef Edimar Vazquez of Marmalade Restaurant in Old San Juan — praised as “the best restaurant in Puerto Rico.” Marmalade stands out for its exceptional service, and unique culinary offerings. The white bean soup is frequently singled out as a “must-have” dish, indicative of the eatery's attention to detail and commitment to flavor.
MEET THE MANAGER: Daniela Aniceto of Protocol Restaurant in Amherst, Massachusetts
We sat down with General Manager Daniela Aniceto of Protocol Restaurant in Amherst, Massachusetts.
MEET THE CHEF: Michael Godlewski of EYV Restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We sat down with Executive Chef Michael Godlewski of EYV Restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — one of The Pittsburgh Post Gazette's “Best New Restaurants of 2023.” EYV is a vegetable-forward restaurant located in Pittsburgh's Deutschtown Neighborhood focusing on making vegetables the center of the plate with meats and seafood playing a supporting role.
MEET THE CHEF: Steve Riley of Mesa Provisions in Albuquerque, New Mexico
We sat down with James Beard Foundation’s 2024 “Best Chef Southwest” Semi-Finalist, Executive Chef Steve Riley of Mesa Provisions in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
MEET THE CHEF: Jason Stoltz of Smoke Signals in Lake Placid, New York
We sat down with Executive Chef Jason Stoltz of Smoke Signals in Lake Placid, New York. Smoke Signals is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown on Main Street in Lake Placid, New York. Specializing in classic, low and slow BBQ staples — stop by to enjoy their spacious patio and stunning views overlooking Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks, during any season.
MEET THE CHEF: Dino Duarte of Movida Lounge in San Francisco, California
We sat down with Executive Chef Dino Duarte of Michelin-recommended Movida Lounge in San Francisco, California. Located in the heart of SoMa — just blocks away from Oracle Park, Movida brings you a chef-driven menu that delivers new, one-of-a-kind flavors, reimagined to highlight the authentic spices of each cuisine. Here, you’ll enjoy a fresh and modern approach to what hospitality is all about — great food, euphoric drinks and an unmatched vibe.