InterContinental San Diego has announced the appointment of San Diego native Matthew Richman as new Chef De Cuisine and former Morning Glory Executive Chef Ashley Kato as Sous Chef. Combining their expertise, the duo will work alongside one another to amplify the hotel’s signature dining concepts, including this weekend's opening of Italian-themed speakeasy and hidden restaurant Garibaldi.
San Diego-born journeyman chef Matt Richman has joined InterContinental's Executive Chef Amy DiBiase’s to bring over a decade of culinary and management experience to his new role, leading all culinary efforts at Vistal Bar + Restaurant. Most recently, Richman served as Executive Chef at Cucina Enoteca in Del Mar.
Richman received his culinary education at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. While at school, he worked at prominent San Francisco restaurants including Fifth Floor and Kokkari Estiatorio. For several years after graduating, he continued his culinary journey working in standalone restaurants and hotels in San Francisco and Miami, before finally moving back to San Diego where he opened his own restaurant, Table 926. As a San Diego native, Richman is honored to be a part of the InterContinental San Diego family and is looking forward to bringing a unique spin to the hotel’s culinary programming.
With the guidance of Richman, Ashley Kato will serve as Sous Chef for the hotel’s highly anticipated Italian-style speakeasy Garibaldi, which opens this weekend with a ticketed, invite-only all-inclusive launch party benefitting local charity Berry Good Food Foundation. Kato joins InterContinental San Diego from her previous role as Executive Chef at Morning Glory. Before residing in San Diego, Kato lived in Los Angeles where she received her formal education at the Art of Institute of California Los Angeles. Following graduation, Kato worked at various restaurants and hotels where she had the opportunity to explore and expand her culinary background. Born in California, but raised in Hawaii, Kato looks forward to developing her culinary skills while staying true to her cherished Hawaiian roots.
"We are delighted to have Matt and Ashley join the team here at InterContinental San Diego," said Food and Beverage Director, Jeff Josenhans. "We are confident that both leaders will be an important component to the long-term growth for all of our culinary offerings and help us continue to provide experiences that resonate with guests and locals alike."
For more information on InterContinental San Diego, visit InterContinentalSanDiego.com
Richman received his culinary education at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. While at school, he worked at prominent San Francisco restaurants including Fifth Floor and Kokkari Estiatorio. For several years after graduating, he continued his culinary journey working in standalone restaurants and hotels in San Francisco and Miami, before finally moving back to San Diego where he opened his own restaurant, Table 926. As a San Diego native, Richman is honored to be a part of the InterContinental San Diego family and is looking forward to bringing a unique spin to the hotel’s culinary programming.
With the guidance of Richman, Ashley Kato will serve as Sous Chef for the hotel’s highly anticipated Italian-style speakeasy Garibaldi, which opens this weekend with a ticketed, invite-only all-inclusive launch party benefitting local charity Berry Good Food Foundation. Kato joins InterContinental San Diego from her previous role as Executive Chef at Morning Glory. Before residing in San Diego, Kato lived in Los Angeles where she received her formal education at the Art of Institute of California Los Angeles. Following graduation, Kato worked at various restaurants and hotels where she had the opportunity to explore and expand her culinary background. Born in California, but raised in Hawaii, Kato looks forward to developing her culinary skills while staying true to her cherished Hawaiian roots.
"We are delighted to have Matt and Ashley join the team here at InterContinental San Diego," said Food and Beverage Director, Jeff Josenhans. "We are confident that both leaders will be an important component to the long-term growth for all of our culinary offerings and help us continue to provide experiences that resonate with guests and locals alike."
For more information on InterContinental San Diego, visit InterContinentalSanDiego.com
