Our Team
Jesse Barber
Culinary Director, Founder
Classically trained in French cuisine, Chef Jesse Barber combines sophistication with an unpretentious approach in the kitchen. He maintains incredible attention to detail while keeping his ingredients true, honest, and minimally processed. His impressively simple approach to cooking creates a sense of excitement, familiarity, and satisfaction in each dish, whether for a private event, popular restaurant, or a dinner at a friend’s house.
In 2009, Jesse moved from Portland, OR, to explore the culinary dynamics of Los Angeles, challenging himself by opening The Tasting Kitchen in Venice. As the opening Chef de Cuisine, he led a talented team on a journey that involved late nights, early mornings, and a deep commitment to their culinary craft. They transformed the restaurant into one of GQ Magazine's “Top 10 Restaurants in America” and earned three James Beard Award nominations.
After three years at The Tasting Kitchen, Jesse pursued his ambitions and independence, curating fundraiser dinners, private parties, and corporate events across the country. His loyal clientele includes Architecture for Humanity, Summit Series, Kitchit, and Trefethen Winery. Over the past 25 years, Jesse started his culinary career at Bouchon Bistro and The French Laundry. Working for Chef Thomas Keller has forever changed and informed how Jesse approaches food and business. While his background is predominantly French and Italian, he also has experience cooking Japanese cuisine, one of his favorites.
Jesse is most comfortable creating cuisine from its rawest form, fresh from the farm, meticulously controlling every detail from butchery to presentation, all while perfecting wine pairings..
Jennifer Hong
Wine Director
Jennifer Hong is a Venice, California-based choreographer, dancer, and educator with a rich background in both the arts and service industries. Holding an M.F.A. in Experimental Choreography from the University of California at Riverside and a B.A. in Chinese from Reed College, Jennifer's work is deeply informed by her extensive education and diverse life experiences.
Her choreographic projects, such as "My Heart is a Purple Flower" and "Herd/Heard," reflect her profound understanding of human emotions and relationships. As a performer, she has collaborated with renowned artists and appeared in notable productions, including Rosanna Tavarez's "Areyta" and Jessica Kondrath's "Spin (After Sol LeWitt)."
Jennifer's commitment to education is evident in her roles as a guest lecturer at USC, Cal State University Los Angeles, and CalArts, and as a co-curator of the LA Contact Community. She leads workshops at Pieter Space and the Santa Monica Contact Improv Jam, fostering a supportive environment for artistic exploration.
Her awards and fellowships, such as the MFA Graduate Fellowship and the Gluck Fellowship Award, recognize her contributions to dance and choreography. Additionally, her experience in the service industry has honed her skills in customer service, management, and teamwork, enriching her ability to connect with and understand people.
Jennifer Hong's career is a testament to her dedication to staying true to herself while deeply understanding and serving others through her art.
Lauren Darell
Beverage Director
Lauren Hershey Darrell is a highly experienced hospitality professional with a strong background in managing and leading various food and beverage establishments. Based in Los Angeles, Lauren has built a distinguished career characterized by resilience, expertise, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
Lauren's recent career highlights showcase her significant impact in management and leadership roles. Since 2015, she has been a key figure at Cinco in Los Angeles, where she serves as the Bar Manager and Beverage Director. In this role, Lauren oversees all bar operations, curates the beverage program, and has contributed significantly to the bar’s success and growth. Her innovative approach and dedication have elevated Cinco to a renowned status within the local hospitality scene.
Currently, Lauren holds the position of Bar Manager and Beverage Director at The Manchester, a role she has excelled in since 2019. She played a crucial role in the opening of Westchester’s premier restaurant bar, demonstrating her ability to spearhead new projects and establish successful operations from the ground up. Under her management, The Manchester has gained a reputation for its exceptional service and acclaimed menu, including a highly praised burger that has become a local favorite.
Lauren began her journey in Heron, Montana, where she spent two years as the Farm Crew Lead. This role honed her leadership skills as she managed daily farm operations, including milking cows and assisting in goat births. Her experience on the farm laid a strong foundation for her future roles.
Lauren's experience includes roles at The Counter in Marina del Rey and Pitfire Pizza in Venice, where she excelled as a Trainer and in opening new locations. Her ability to open and train staff at three different locations highlighted her leadership and adaptability.
Lauren’s extensive career and dedication to excellence have made her a respected figure in the hospitality industry.