Chef Patrick Gharrity’s intense love affair with food and cooking started at an early age while growing up in rural Ohio watching his mother, a gourmet cook herself, work her magic in the kitchen.

He found his calling while working his way up from a dishwasher to Sous Chef during college where he earned his BFA from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1991.  Patrick’s love of art and passion for food has contributed to his highly creative and innovative cooking style. Patrick is constantly experimenting and loves combining ingredients and styles of cooking in his never-ending quest to satisfy even the most discriminating palate.

In 1998, Patrick followed his dream to become an Executive Chef when he moved to Santa Fe. He began working at La Casa Sena Restaurant and Cantina as Pastry Chef in 1999, and took over as Executive Chef in 2005. 

His creative abilities are exhibited with the many different menu options La Casa Sena has to offer.  His menus include creative interpretations of local New Mexican and Innovative Southwestern Cuisine.  Patrick uses local and sustainable products whenever possible.

Among his many achievements, Chef Patrick Gharrity has been featured in local publications such as Alibi, The Local Flavor, The New Mexican, as well as national and international publications such as Wine Spectator, The Nation’s Restaurant News, and Restaurante Mexicano. He has also been featured on Rachael Ray’s “Tasty Travels”.  He takes pride participating in local events including “Art Feast”, “Wine and Chile Fiesta”, “The Culinary Arts Ball” and the “Souper Bowl”.