Acclaimed chef Tom Valenti began working in restaurant kitchens at an early age. After gaining the attention of legendary French chef Guy Savoy, Tom worked at his signature Guy Savoy Restaurant in Paris. While in Paris, Tom was introduced to Alfred Portale, who hired him as Sous Chef for Gotham Bar + Grill. Two years later Tom teamed up with Alison Becker, and the duo opened Alison on Dominick, Tom ‘s breakout opportunity as Executive Chef. Executive Chef positions and rave reviews followed him at both Cascabel and Butterfield 81, both in NYC.

In 2001, Tom opened his signature restaurant, Ouest, on the corner of Broadway and 84th Street on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Once again, Tom ’s appealing, flavor-packed cooking won critical praise. Two years later, Valenti opened ‘Cesca at Broadway & 75th Street. There, his menu was a tribute to the cooking style he learned in his grandmother’s kitchen.

After Ouest, Tom became the Executive Chef of Le Cirque.

Tom is the author of three bestselling cookbooks, including Welcome to My Kitchen, Tom Valenti’s Soups, Stews, and One-Pot Meals, and You Don’t Have to be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook.

Accolades over the years include being named one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs;” a profile in Esquire; being named a James Beard Foundation nominee (Best Chef New York, Best New Restaurant); multiple New York magazine features; and appearances on Martha Stewart, Today and The Early Show on CBS.

Tom is thrilled to be back on the Upper Westside with Oxbow Tavern, a comfortable neighborhood spot where he can relax, explore and have fun.