Napa Valley Wine Train, one of the few active historic passenger railroads in the U.S., has appointed Rodrigo Cuadra as its new executive chef. Cuadra will oversee menu development, overall daily operations, and the train’s team of culinary experts. Nathan Davis, general manager of the Napa Valley Wine Train, said Caudra’s extensive background made him the best candidate to bring a fresh perspective to the Wine Train and Napa Valley’s dining scene.
During his chef tenure at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, he cooked for former president George Bush and celebrities including Shaquille O’Neil, Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara and Will Smith. Professionally trained in classic French cuisine, Cuadra worked for Chef Thomas Keller as a sous chef. He polished his technique and culinary approach to be more ingredient-driven, allowing the quality and freshness of his creations to shine.
Cuadra was also was part of a team of chefs who created a country-wide movement to make Sacramento America’s farm-to-fork capital. He was responsible for enforcing a made-from-scratch program that consisted of 90 percent ingredients procured within a 150-mile radius for guests at the arena.
Now at the helm of the Napa Valley Wine Train’s culinary program, Cuadra will maintain his ingredient-forward philosophy and source quality ingredients, continuing the train’s reputation as one of the region’s most distinctive restaurants.
Related Articles
Poetry Inn Napa Valley Unveils its New Look
Sonoma County to Host Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience
Auberge Resorts to Debut Stanly Ranch Residences in Napa Valley