Executive Chef

Elsewhere Wine Bar & Lounge is an innovative wine-focused hospitality project located in the heart of St. Helena, Napa Valley, California. Established by renowned restaurateur Nick Kokonas and celebrated Chef Elliot Bell, Elsewhere brings a unique blend of exceptional wine, thoughtfully prepared food, warm and inviting service, and the inimitable charm of Napa Valley itself. The concept is built on discovery, generosity, and a genuine passion for extraordinary wine experiences. Nick Kokonas, the founder and former owner of the illustrious Alinea Group, teamed up with Elliot Bell, a culinary veteran with a decade of experience at the world-renowned The French Laundry, to create a space that transcends typical wine bars or tasting rooms. Elsewhere is designed to be a gathering place for diverse groups, including collectors, winemakers, locals, travelers, chefs, artists, and those simply curious about wine.

Elsewhere Wine Bar & Lounge is distinguished by its ambitious and expansive wine program that features an eclectic selection, ranging from classic, well-known producers to rare bottles and small-batch, idiosyncratic wines each telling their own story. The establishment’s mission is not to replicate existing wine tasting or dining venues but to offer a distinct and personal experience where food and wine harmoniously coexist. The cuisine underscores seasonality, sourcing from local purveyors and reflecting the rich bounty of the region. The food philosophy is generous, not overly precious, and always aims to complement the wines, enhancing rather than competing with them.

The Executive Chef role at Elsewhere Wine Bar & Lounge is crucial in shaping the culinary identity and operational excellence of this new venture. Reporting directly to ownership and collaborating closely with Chef Elliot Bell, the Executive Chef will oversee the entire culinary program from inception through day-to-day operations. This hands-on leadership role involves menu development, kitchen management, quality control, purchasing, inventory oversight, financial performance, event coordination, and cultivating a positive kitchen culture. The successful candidate will be deeply committed to every plate that leaves the kitchen, ensuring it meets the highest standards of flavor, presentation, and consistency.

Beyond daily kitchen operations, the Executive Chef will lead a culinary team through recruitment, training, mentoring, and scheduling while fostering a collaborative environment based on professionalism, curiosity, accountability, and respect. They will also be responsible for building and maintaining systems that support efficiency and excellence, including recipes, prep protocols, plating standards, station guides, and sanitation practices. Sourcing exceptional ingredients through relationships with local farms, ranches, fisheries, and specialty suppliers is a key aspect of the role, emphasizing regionally inspired cuisine that pairs seamlessly with the wine selection.

Financial acumen is critical for this role as the Executive Chef will manage food costs, labor, purchasing, inventory control, waste reduction, and overall kitchen profitability. Collaboration with the General Manager and wine team is essential to ensure a cohesive guest experience centered on thoughtful food and wine pairings. Responsibilities also extend to planning gourmet menus for private events, winemaker dinners, tastings, and other special programs unique to Elsewhere. Maintaining rigorous compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards is mandatory.

This is a full-time leadership position that requires availability for approximately 45 to 55 hours per week, including core operating hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, with flexibility expected due to the dynamic nature of the restaurant industry. Elsewhere Wine Bar & Lounge offers competitive compensation with performance-based bonuses, health and supplemental insurance, a retirement plan with employer match, paid time off, employee dining discounts, opportunities for wine education and professional growth, and a relocation stipend for the right candidate.

At Elsewhere, the Executive Chef will not only lead the kitchen but also help define the culture, operational standards, and brand identity as the restaurant opens and grows. They will embody a team-first approach, maintaining high standards without ego, and ensuring the culinary program is serious about food and hospitality but never overly serious about itself.