Executive Chef/Partner Denis Soriano

A native of Lyon France, Chef Soriano has been surrounded by fine cuisine all of his life. Observing his mother and grandmother in the kitchen, Denis learned the artistry of preparing food to not only be wonderful to the taste, but visually beautiful as well. Their knowledge and adept skills inspired the young Soriano to enter the culinary profession at an early age.

Soriano's first apprenticeship was under the direction of Jacques Chibois at Le Royal Gray restaurant in the Hotel Gray D'Albion. He continued his training with Michel Guerard, a Michelin three star Chef. Within several years, Chef Soriano displayed his craft and talent in the French Riviera, Luzerne, Switzerland and London, England before arriving in the United States.

First, Soriano put his culinary expertise to use at La Ferme in Maryland. He then accepted an invitation from Michel Elkaim to be the executive chef of the reopening of San Francisco's Chez Michel. Under Soriano's helm, the restaurant earned a four star rating from Michael Bauer of The San Francisco Chronicle. As the Executive Chef of the Grand Café in the Hotel Monaco, the restaurant received a three-star status, and at V Restaurant Wine Bar, a five-star rating by www.foodandwineaccess.com. Returning to the East Coast, Chef Soriano became the Chef de Cuisine of the famed Willard Room at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. where he continued to receive rave reviews.

Soriano draws heavily on his roots for inspiration and is known for creatively balancing flavors. He believes a great restaurant not only offers excellent food but creates an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming.