Menu Innovator Blog

Fiola, Washington DC (Italian) Chef: Fabio Trabocchi Born in the Region of Acana, Italy, Chef Fabio Trabocchi discovered his passion for cooking at a very young age. He pursued his culinary education in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Washington DC. After meeting his wife, Maria in the early ’90s, they formed Trabocchi Restaurants in 2011,…

Menton, Boston, MA (French) Chef: Barbara Lynch Chef Barbara Lynch believes that every empty plate is waiting for a story and it is her job to create a great meal coupled with lively hospitality and outstanding drink. The winner of three James Beard Awards for her various restaurants in 2003, 2012, and 2013, Barbara Lynch…

Normans, Orlando, FL (Latin) Chef: Norman Van Aken “The fires of fusion are coming”. Written by Chef Norman Van Aken, embodies his take on the culinary arts. Van Aken is a widely well-respected American Chef, who is credited with the title of being “the founding father of New World Cuisine”. New World Cuisine is known…

Peche Seafood Grill, New Orleans, LA (Seafood) Chef: Donald Link A Louisiana Native, Chef Donald Link began his culinary career early on in his childhood, fueled by inspiration from the Cajun and Southern cooking of his grandparents. One of the most respected and prominent Chef’s in New Orleans, Link owns and manages multiple restaurants in…

The River Café, Brooklyn, NY (New American) Chef: Brad Steelman The River Café has been responsible for launching many famous chefs into the NYC culinary scene from Larry Forgione and Charlie Palmer to David Burke and now Brad Steelman. Steelman moved to NYC early in his culinary career for a Sous Chef position at Montrachet…

The Walrus and The Carpenter, Seattle, WA (Seafood) Chef: Renee Erickson Renee Erickson is a widely respected Chef, Restauranteur, and Author who manages multiple restaurants in the Seattle area. Erickson is native to Seattle and all her restaurants feature the bounty of the area with a bit of the European culinary flair that she is…

The White Barn Inn Restaurant, Kennebunk, ME (New American) Chef: Jonathan Cartwright Jonathan Cartwright stubbled upon his career in the culinary arts purely by accident, and through the not so gentle push from his father to “get a job” at a young age. After being placed on the “hot line” when a Sous Chef did…

Thomas Henkelmann, Greenwich, CT (French) Chef: Thomas Henkelmann Born in Germany, Chef Thomas Henkelmann began his culinary career as a young child helping in his parent’s German family restaurant. Henkelmann made himself a promise early on in his youth, to become the best French Chef that he could be. To achieve this goal, Henkelmann studied…

Alinea, Chicago, IL (Eclectic) Chef: Grant Achatz As one of the most highly awarded chefs in the world, Grant Achatz is widely known for his creative take on modern cuisine and contributions to molecular gastronomy. Achatz describes his cuisine as progressive as he seeks to use food to tell a story and awaken the senses.…