Chef Eduardo Marquez was named the new executive chef of Casa Don Alfonso in Clayton, the elevated Southern Italian eatery located within The Ritz-Carlton.
"I'm excited to contribute to St. Louis' vibrant hospitality landscape and encourage innovation while working alongside Casa Don Alfonso's talented team. I knew when I accepted this position that I'd be joining the best in the hospitality industry, and I'm eager to recreate the authentic recipes passed down through generations of the Iccarino family," says Chef Marquez.
Since opening during March of 2021, Casa Don Alfonso offers the recipes and traditions to St. Louis of the acclaimed Iccarino family, who've operated the famed Don Alfonso 1890 in the heart of Sant' Agata, Italy, for the past four generations. The menu honors the culinary heritage of the Campania region with seasonal ingredients that closely resemble the produce harvested at the Iaccarino family's farm.
Chef Marquez vows to carry on these traditions and continue to collaborate with the team in Lorenzo, Italy, for seasonal menus, citing that the ziti pasta option is his favorite pick for "the most amazing, flavorful, impactful dish."
He joins the existing Casa Don Alfonso kitchen team, which includes tenured chefs from around the world. The chef steps into a leadership role alongside the general manager of Casa Don Alfonso, Greg Gerber, and the manager of fine dining, Ardi Dulaku.
"We're a family. I spend all day here, and this is important to me for everyone to have fun," he adds.
Greg says, "We're thrilled to have Chef Marquez join the team, especially because of his extensive background at The Ritz-Carlton properties. We know we can trust him to uphold our standards of excellence and hospitality to deliver the authentic Southern Italian cuisine that we pride ourselves on."
Over a 15-year culinary career, Chef Marquez has worked at several national and international locations of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which he says has given him experience in creating a multitude of cuisines and flavors.
Chef Eduardo Marquez says he started his career as a cook at The Ritz-Carlton, Chile. During his tenure with The Ritz-Carlton, he performed progressively in different positions within the culinary field. In 2017, he was promoted to restaurant chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Virgin Island, and one year later became specialty chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, before becoming specialty chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Most recently, he worked as the executive sous chef at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.
Chef Marquez obtained a gastronomy degree from College Arturo Alessandri Palma, and a business administration and global economy degree from Universidad Católica Silva Henriquez. He's been recognized as Five Star Leader of the Quarter and Annual Five Star as a supervisor. He also worked at the restaurant that received the National Award for Best Restaurant and Cuisine in Chile from Weekend Magazine Chile in 2009.
"I see the chance to collaborate with Casa Don Alfonso as an opportunity to create a nurturing atmosphere, guiding and supporting this team while collaborating with the finest in St. Louis' hospitality sector," he confirms.
He says one of the best aspects of working at the restaurant is having direct connections and conversations with guests.
Casa Don Alfonso is open for breakfast; lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
314.719.1496
CasaDonAlfonsoStLouis.com
