EMPIRE - Napa Dining And Crafted Cocktails Announces Culinary Talents
Empire, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer Petrusky as culinary partner and Caitlin Laman as beverage director at the contemporary small-plate restaurant and lounge in downtown Napa, CA. Empire will emphasize an evening experience of Napa Dining & Crafted Cocktails and is on schedule to open in May 2013.
As culinary partner, Jennifer Petrusky is responsible for writing the seasonal menus and overseeing culinary development as well as directing special culinary events throughout the year. Chef Petrusky brings an extensive wealth of knowledge, lending to the interactive and diverse small plate menu presentation.
Upon graduation from Le Cordon Bleu, Chef Petrusky apprenticed under Charlie Trotter at numerous food events and chef demonstrations across the world such as the Singapore Sun Festival, The Rheingau Gourmet & Wine Festival and Gourmet Abu Dhabi. She competed twice nationally as the only female chef Bocuse d’Or USA Culinary Competition, winning “Best Fish Platter” in 2010.
Before coming to Empire, Chef Petrusky opened the critically acclaimed GT Fish & Oyster as sous chef and Yusho as chef de cuisine. Named one of Chicago’s Best New Restaurants in 2012, Yusho garnered several national accolades under her guidance, including recognition from the James Beard Foundation and Food & Wine.
“This is my first project in Napa and I’m looking forward to becoming a part of this community,” said Chef Petrusky. “Empire is a place for people to gather and reconnect while enjoying vibrant flavors made with fresh products.”
Beverage Director Caitlin Laman directs Empire’s impressive beverage program that includes the fresh artisanal cocktail menu and custom whisky barrel program, and develops the series of monthly cocktail classes.
Originally hailing from Portland, Ore., Laman graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Babson College in Massachusetts. She began her career at Andre Balazs’ hotels in New York City and later continued at Sunset Beach in Long Island before moving to San Francisco in 2009 to explore the cocktail scene. She was recruited to join the team at Lafitte and later Southern Pacific Smokehouse.
“We will have a lot of diverse beverage offerings at Empire, from our two signature bourbons to our in-house crafted beer on tap,” said Laman. “I want to take the mystery out of mixology and help people find their signature cocktail or wine with the cocktail classes and the wine discovery series we are planning.”
Owners Arthur Prieston & Nick Rimedio are thrilled to welcome Petrusky & Laman to the team. “We are excited to have Jennifer and Caitlin join our team at Empire!” said Arthur Prieston. “I travel all over the country, and I have met few rising stars anywhere who have the talent and skill to match what these culinary professionals bring to Napa Valley.”
Rimedio added, “We believe there cannot be an evening experience in Napa Valley without incredible cuisine and beverage. Jennifer and Caitlin anchor our vision with talent, passion and drive, which truly shines through our menus. I am lucky to have worked with both in different projects, so I can’t wait to see their talents combined at Empire!”
Bill Cody is an entertainment, technology and luxury travel reporter in Las Vegas. He reports on celebrities, events, tech, food, Las Vegas and luxury travel.