Master Chef
José Gutierrez

Chef José Gutierrez’s exceptional culinary creativity can be traced to his French heritage and Southern influences. Although native to France with Spanish roots, chef José has been a Memphis resident for over 30 years and hence, a true Southerner. He was born in Provence, France and began his culinary career at the Professional Culinary School in Manosque, France. After school, he worked under the direction of several esteemed chefs and then trained with the celebrated chef Paul Bocuse, creator of Nouvelle Cuisine.

At the age of 22, he moved to Houston, Texas, to serve as chef de cuisine at Restaurant de France at the Meridien Hotel. Two and half years later, in 1982, he began what turned out to be a distinguished, unparalleled 22-year career at the Peabody Hotel’s Chez Phillipe. Here he hosted “master nights” for master chefs and artists and guests included numerous dignitaries like Julia Child. He also held extravagant-themed dinners, such as one celebrating Cristal champagne (traditional champagne of Russian czars), where he created an 18-course menu based from an original 25-course menu from 1872 that Russian Grand Duke Alexei Romanov savored when he visited Memphis.

In 2005, chef José opened his own restaurant, Encore Restaurant and Bar, where he delighted guests with his contemporary French-style bistro cuisine. Five years later he joined River Oaks restaurant, which he and his wife, Colleen, now own. Chef José has expertly guided River Oaks to its status today as one of Memphis’ premier eateries.

Chef Roel Mesta

A native of Torreon, Mexico, Roel was first introduced to the culinary world at the young age of 14 while working at Ristorante Ciao in Naples, Florida. After working his way through every spot in the kitchen and studying many cuisines, he secured a position as Executive Chef at Masa, a Contemporary Mexican Restaurant. During his time at Masa, Roel received many honors, including Naples Illustrated Best New Chef.  In 2017, Roel brought his talents to The Village at Germantown, where he can showcase his creativity in an upscale retirement living setting.

Master Mixologist
Brad Pitts

Brad Pitts is an awarding winning mixologist and beverage maven in Memphis, TN.  Over the last 25 years, he has been crafting cocktails for some of Memphis’ finest dining establishments and for private and charity events in and around the Memphis area.  His knowledge extends beyond the back of the bar in that he has experience in the distributing, marketing, and branding aspects of the wine and spirits industry.  Currently he is the Mixologist and the Beverage Manager at the Germantown Performing Arts Center.  Brad’s philosophy for making perfectly crafted drinks is based on simple principles: keep the components of concoction to a minimum, use the freshest available ingredients, and presentation.  As a native Mississippian and amateur historian and photographer, his cocktails are as much history lesson as they are an experience combining classic interpretations with local and regional folklore.  He is also a monthly contributor and columnist for At Home Memphis Magazine and Edible Memphis.