Perry Butler never expected his signature restaurant, Perry's, to become an institution. Yet after 39 years, it's still known as one of the friendliest places in San Francisco to get great food and service.
Bradley Ogden founded the 9-restaurant Lark Creek Restaurant Group. He is a two-time James Beard “Best New Restaurant” winner. His Lark Creek Inn belongs to Nations Restaurant News' Fine Dining Hall of Fame.
Joe Slesar opened his first brewery/eatery across from Fenway Park in 1990 and became a leader in the emerging micro-brewing industry. Today, Boston Beer Works brews over 50 variations of lagers, ales and pilsners every year so they can keep 15 micro-brews on tap at any given time.
Joseph Smith first learned the hospitality industry when he joined the Cunard Line of luxury cruise ships at age 15. In the early 90s, he and four other long term partners combined their extensive restaurant skills and acquired the celebrated Bobby Van's Steakhouse in the Hamptons. Bobby Van's has since expanded into Manhattan and Washington D.C.
Tyler Florence, celebrity chef and Food Network star, has spent the last 15 years traversing the globe in order to bring the best of the culinary world into the homes of the masses. In 2010, he opened two highly popular restaurants: Wayfare Tavern, San Francisco, and Rotisserie Bar and Grill, Napa.
DINE Boston Past Visiting Chef's Panel
Marisa Locco, Consulting Executive Chef, Spiga, is one of Boston's most acclaimed Italian Chef. Her first restaurant, Galleria Italiana was the hottest Italian restaurant Boston had ever known. She followed it with La Bettola, Bricco and Umbria, which was named "Best of Restaurant in Boston" in 2006. Her organic seafood menu catapulted her to national attention when Esquire Magazine named her restaurant Mare "Best New Restaurant in America".
Stephen Brown, Executive Chef, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse is known for adding “city energy” and “urban sophistication” to his menus where regulars are proud to pay the price for updated Northern Italian classics.” **
Fiore Colella, chef/owner, Restaurant Fiore creates authentic Italian cuisine in Boston's North End. Since getting his restaurant start at age 12 washing dishes, he's developed a deep love of food that shows in his hearty dishes. Restaurant Fiore has been a Boston landmark since 2000.
Kevin Crawley, chef/owner, balances tradition with innovation as he creates modern French cuisine at Coriander Bistro. It is consistently rated one of the top restaurants in Boston for food and service by Zagat's “Top Restaurants in America.”
Steven LaCount, chef/owner, Chiara, created one of Boston's top Mediterranean Bistros. It was named “Best of the New” 2007 by the Boston Globe, and Best Restaurant of 2006 by Phantom Gourmet. Personally, Steve earned Chef of the Year Awards from both the Mass Chefs and Epicurean Clubs.
Nadsa & Nyep de Monteiro, co-chef/owners who are also mother and daughter, have been serving French-Cambodian fusion fare since 1991 at their award-winning The Elephant Walk. Esquire Magazine named it one of America's Best New Restaurants and it has been in Zagat's Boston “12 Most Popular Restaurants” since 1996.
Erwin Ramos, chef/owner, Olé Mexican Grill, creates delicious ethnic meals that are “beautifully presented and far removed from run-of-the-mill Mexican fare.”*** It is no surprise the restaurant is a 5 time Best of Boston winner.
Thomas Roberts, Executive Chef, Max Stein's American Steakhouse, recreates a 1940's supper club where at least one of his signature dishes is considered “steak for the connoisseur.”**** His talent extends to other classics that range from the hearty to the sublime.
Paul Turano, chef/owner, Tryst, is one of Boston's rising culinary stars. Although little more than 30, he has won acclaim from the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine and the Boston Herald for creating a robust New American menu with gusty flavors in a very romantic setting. Tryst was named a Best of Boston 2007 winner.
** - zagat.com
*** - Restaurant review
**** - patriot ledger, 12/2006
