Meet Our Culinary Masters

At The Gilded Spoon, our culinary excellence is driven by a team of passionate and highly skilled chefs. Each chef brings a unique perspective, innovative techniques, and a commitment to using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Get to know the culinary artists who create the unforgettable dining experiences you'll find within our walls.

Adriana Cortez

Executive Chef

Chef Adriana Cortez is the visionary leader of The Gilded Spoon's kitchen. With over 20 years of experience in the culinary arts, Adriana has honed her skills in some of the world's finest restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments in Europe to innovative farm-to-table concepts in California. Her culinary philosophy centers around celebrating the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients and creating dishes that are both visually stunning and deeply satisfying.

Signature Dish: Pan-Seared Halibut with Meyer Lemon Risotto

Adriana's signature dish showcases her commitment to fresh, local ingredients. The pan-seared halibut is sourced directly from San Francisco fishermen, while the Meyer lemons are grown in nearby orchards. The result is a dish that perfectly captures the essence of California cuisine: light, bright, and bursting with flavor.

Kenji Tanaka

Sous Chef

Chef Kenji Tanaka brings a meticulous attention to detail and a passion for precision to The Gilded Spoon's kitchen. Trained in the art of Japanese cuisine, Kenji seamlessly blends Eastern and Western culinary techniques to create dishes that are both innovative and harmonious. His expertise in knife skills and plating elevates every dish to a work of art.

Signature Dish: Wagyu Beef Tataki with Ponzu and Crispy Garlic

Kenji's signature dish is a testament to his mastery of Japanese cuisine. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef is lightly seared and served with a tangy ponzu sauce and crispy garlic chips. The dish is a perfect balance of rich, savory, and umami flavors.

Isabelle Dupont

Pastry Chef

Chef Isabelle Dupont is the creative force behind The Gilded Spoon's exquisite desserts. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Isabelle has a passion for creating pastries that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Her desserts are inspired by classic French techniques, but with a modern twist that reflects her own unique style.

Signature Dish: Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Coulis and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Isabelle's signature dish is a decadent chocolate lava cake served with a tart raspberry coulis and creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cake is perfectly cooked so the center oozes with molten chocolate. The contrast in temperatures and textures makes it an unforgettable dessert.

Javier Rodriguez

Chef de Cuisine

Chef Javier Rodriguez is the heart and soul of our daily kitchen operations. With a background deeply rooted in family recipes and a commitment to sustainable practices, Javier brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to our menu. His expertise in sourcing local produce and seafood ensures that every dish reflects the vibrant flavors of the Bay Area.

Signature Dish: Cioppino with Saffron Broth and Grilled Sourdough

Javier's Cioppino is a tribute to San Francisco's rich culinary heritage. Featuring a medley of fresh seafood simmered in a flavorful saffron broth, and served with grilled sourdough bread, this dish is a comforting and elegant celebration of the sea.

Amelia Chen

Sommelier

While not a chef in the traditional sense, Amelia Chen is an integral part of The Gilded Spoon's culinary team. As our resident Sommelier, Amelia's expertise in wine pairing elevates every meal to a new level of enjoyment. Her extensive knowledge of both local and international wines ensures that each course is perfectly complemented by the ideal vintage.

Signature Pairing: Pinot Noir from Sonoma with Duck Confit

Amelia's signature pairing features a delicate Pinot Noir from a local Sonoma vineyard alongside our rich and savory Duck Confit. The earthy notes of the wine perfectly complement the tender duck, creating a harmonious and unforgettable culinary experience.

Marcus Williams

Chef de Partie

Chef Marcus Williams, a rising star in the culinary world, brings youthful energy and innovative techniques to The Gilded Spoon. Specializing in modern gastronomy, Marcus is constantly experimenting with new flavors and textures to create dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. His dedication to pushing culinary boundaries makes him an invaluable asset to our team.

Signature Dish: Deconstructed Lemon Tart with Meringue Clouds

Marcus's deconstructed Lemon Tart is a playful twist on a classic dessert. Featuring a creamy lemon curd, crispy tart shell pieces, and light-as-air meringue clouds, this dish is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.