Stefen Shatto has been appointed Executive Chef at Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection in Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection has selected Stefen Shatto as executive chef to oversee Solaire Restaurant + Bar in addition to banquets, catering, and in-room and poolside dining at the 170-room boutique hotel. Born in Santa Cruz, Calif., raised on a farm in Iowa, and trained in Italy, Stefen brings his distinct culinary perspective rooted in quality agriculture, sustainability, flavor, presentation and a culture of community to reinvigorate the concept of “expect the unexpected.”
Stefen’s culinary career spans more than a decade. While earning his culinary arts degree at Iowa Western Community College, he gained firsthand experience in the traditions and practices of French artistic cuisine, working in the kitchens of James Beard-acclaimed restaurants in Omaha, Neb. Through an apprenticeship at Maccheroni and studies in Rome, he discovered the origins of flavor and learned the true culture of Italian cuisine. Serving as executive chef on the opening team at il vecchioin Pacific Grove, Calif., Stefen was instrumental in the Roman-style Italian trattoria’s early and continued success. He then established a boutique catering company specializing in weddings in the vineyards of Central Coast California. Shortly after, he found his niche in hotel hospitality.
In his most recent hotel culinary position, Stefen was executive chef at Inn at the Pier in Pismo Beach, Calif. His hotel food & beverage experience also includes tenures at the award-winning Grange Restaurant & Bar at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento, Calif. and Schooners at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif.
