We're thrilled to introduce the dynamic culinary duo bringing their passion and expertise to Herrington on the Bay: Executive Chef Tom and Sous Chef Jesse!  Together, they are committed to creating unforgettable dining experiences for every guest.

Executive Chef Tom:

Chef Tom is an award-winning Certified Executive Chef with over 30 years of experience. His culinary journey began in his grandparents' Italian restaurant, where he was captivated by the "fire, the organized chaos, and excitement" of the kitchen.  By 15, he was already running the kitchen for an Italian caterer. This early immersion ignited a lifelong passion for creating "simple but elegant" dishes that express "enjoyable passion" and leave "lasting memories."

Chef Tom's food philosophy centers around quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. He's particularly fond of Herrington on the Bay's fresh, sustainably sourced fish, many of which are local or from the Northern Atlantic. Looking to the future, he envisions a menu that is predominantly gluten-free, with a strong emphasis on farm-to-table and local ingredients.  While he appreciates the finer things in food, his one indispensable ingredient is surprisingly, ketchup!

His favorite part of working at Herrington on the Bay is the people and the team culture. If he could cook for anyone, living or deceased, it would be his father, so he could share his culinary advancements and, of course, talk (or argue about) sports.  His favorite culinary travel destination is Tuscany, Italy, a testament to his love for classic flavors and culinary traditions.

Sous Chef Jesse:

Sous Chef Jesse brings a wealth of experience, including successfully opening and running kitchens on a fleet of cruise ships.  His culinary journey began at age 15 with a dishwashing job that led to a valuable mentorship with a chef who became a father figure.  He's always been drawn to the collaborative process of chefs transforming simple ingredients into a complete meal experience.

Jesse's food philosophy echoes Chef Tom's in its focus on elevating simple ingredients to something extraordinary.  He hopes his food expresses "trust," particularly when creating dishes for special occasions like weddings. He understands the importance of consistent quality and strives to earn the trust of Herrington on the Bay's clients.  His favorite menu item is the Farm Market board, where he enjoys showcasing local ingredients in a visually stunning way.

Like Chef Tom, Jesse looks forward to continuing and expanding Herrington on the Bay's scratch-made, seed-to-stomach menus. Fresh herbs, especially thyme, are an ingredient he can't live without, often forming the base of his sauces. He appreciates working alongside the Herrington on the Bay staff, united in their goal of providing an exceptional customer experience. If he could cook for anyone, it would be his grandmother, his number one fan, to show her how far he's come. His favorite culinary travel destination is Astoria, Oregon, which he praises for its amazing restaurants and fresh, local ingredients.

Together, Chef Tom and Chef Jesse, along with the entire culinary team, are dedicated to crafting exceptional dishes that reflect their passion for food and commitment to guest satisfaction.  We invite you to experience their culinary creations at Herrington on the Bay!

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