Neighbor News
Local Chef Named Restaurant's Chef of the Year
Culinary excellence drives Richmond chef to be named Chef of the Year by Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Raul Reyes Zarate, executive chef at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Richmond, Virginia has been named Chef of the Year for his impeccable leadership, culinary excellence, inspirational motivation and guest satisfaction. Firebirds presented Zarate with the award at the company’s recent annual award conference.
“Raul is a true inspiration to those around him. He creates an uplifting environment in the kitchen, and he crafts each plate with diligence and passion,” CEO Steve Kislow said. “He is a joy for the staff to work with, and he is committed to the satisfaction of our guests.”
A native of Mexico, Zarate grew up in Veracruz and has 20 years of culinary experience under his belt. His restaurant journey started in 2000 as line cook at Maggianos and went on to various chef roles at Travinia. He began his Firebirds career as sous chef and was later promoted to his current position of executive chef.
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“It is an honor to have been chosen as Firebirds’ Chef of the Year,” said Zarate. “It has always been a dream of mine to be in a leadership position like this and work for a company like Firebirds. I am grateful to work with such an incredible team here in Richmond.”
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About Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a contemporary-polished restaurant, is an energetic twist on the traditional grill featuring a boldly flavored, classic American menu in an inviting, fire-centric atmosphere. Signature menu items include hand-cut, aged steaks and fresh seafood hand-fileted in-house and seared over locally sourced hickory, oak, or pecan wood in Firebirds’ scratch kitchen and exposed wood-fired grill. The open, stylish, enticing décor incorporates wood-fired themes and entertaining spaces, such as the outdoor patio with seasonal comforts and the award-winning FIREBAR®. Popular specialties include Wine Down Mondays, happy hour, artisan cocktails, craft beer, bourbon, after-dinner drinks and Firebirds’ private label wine. In keeping with its mission, “To Serve, Enrich and Exceed,” Firebirds supports ever-growing sustainability efforts throughout its restaurants and partners with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, with more than $2.5 million raised for childhood cancer research through the sale of fresh-squeezed lemonade. Visit FirebirdsRestaurants.com to become a member of Firebirds’ Inner Circle, make an OpenTable reservation, or order ToGo online.
