Renowned Chef Joins the CIA in Napa’s Oxbow District
Napa, CA – The Culinary
Institute of America announces Polly Lappetito as the
new director of restaurants of the CIA at Copia and executive chef of
The Restaurant at CIA Copia. In these roles, Chef Lappetito is responsible for The Restaurant at CIA Copia as well
as additional venues to be announced in the coming months. The former executive
chef at Ciccio Napa Valley, Chef Lappetito joins Chef de Cuisine Chris Kennedy Aken in The Restaurant
to help the CIA realize its vision for Copia, and she
is working with the team to put her personal touches on the menu and update the
look and feel of the restaurant. Chef Lappetito describes
her style as creative yet simple and approachable, which will be reflected in the
menu, service, and style in the CIA at Copia’s dining
experiences.
Chef Lappetito is known for her genuine
approach to food, cooking, and people. Under her leadership, Ciccio was named one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s “Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants.” Prior to Ciccio, she was executive chef at the CIA’s Wine Spectator Greystone
Restaurant in St. Helena. A former commercial fisherman in Alaska, Chef Lappetito is a Certified Hospitality Educator.
“Chef Lappetito has earned a great
reputation within the culinary industry. I am excited to see her put her style and
creativity to work in introducing to The Restaurant at CIA Copia the wonderful, delicious dishes for which she is known,” said Chef Waldy Malouf, CIA senior director
of food and beverage operations. “Innovation and service have been the key ingredients
to our success thus far, and Chef Lappetito will be instrumental
in taking us to the next level and reinforcing why Napa Valley is considered one
of the best food regions in the world.”
“I’m looking forward to working with Chef Malouf, Chef Aken, and the talented
team at the CIA at Copia,” said Chef Lappetito. “The Culinary Institute of America gave me my start
in my culinary career and holds a special place in my heart. I hope to continue
its tradition of creating memorable dishes that convey the spirit of the Napa Valley.”
The gardens at CIA at Copia and the
CIA farm in St. Helena are sources of seasonal produce for the restaurant. The restaurant
is a part of the larger CIA at Copia facility and its
offerings in Napa’s bustling Oxbow district, which also include daily cooking and beverage classes, wine tastings and The Store at CIA Copia. CIA at Copia also offers a range of meetings and event spaces, providing
guests with the ultimate Napa Valley destination for exploring, experiencing, and
enjoying the world of food and wine.
The Restaurant at CIA Copia is located
at 500 First Street in downtown Napa, and is open seven days a week for lunch and
dinner: Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday
from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Brunch is served on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For reservations and additional
information, please call 707-967-2555 or visit www.therestaurantatciacopia.com or www.ciaatcopia.com.
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:
Polly Lappetito has been appointed
director of restaurants of the CIA at Copia and executive
chef of The Restaurant of CIA Copia. (Photo credit: Victor M. Samuel Photography)
View hi-res image >
Media Contact:
Evita Broughton
510-735-9667
evita@ellipsespr.com
About The Culinary Institute of America
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute
of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders
in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor’s
degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate
degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education through
its Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs and courses
for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting services have
made the CIA the think tank of the food industry, and its worldwide network of 49,000
alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA has locations
in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
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