Chef Patrick Gharrity
Like many of the world's top chefs, Patrick's love of food came from his mother. Born and raised in rural Ohio, Patrick grew up eating beautiful, healthy food made from scratch in his mother's kitchen. Although this might be the root of his culinary path, Patrick's first kitchen job was washing dishes.
"I've always felt that to be the best at something you must know it inside and out. This is as true of cooking as it is of kitchen operations. Being a chef means being in charge of it all!"
While attaining a Fine Arts Degree, Chef Gharrity worked his way up through the brigade; prep cook, line cook, kitchen manager, sous-chef and even pastry chef. Many of Gharrity's contemporaries view the pastry kitchen as a foreign land outside of their skill set. Not Patrick!
"Learning and holding on the knowledge from each department is key!"
When Patrick moved to Santa Fe in 1998 he assumed the role of Pastry Chef at La Casa Sena. 7 years later he was promoted to Executive Chef and has driven this Santa Fe institution to the award winning status of today.
Chef Patrick Gharrity's secret to success has three main components;
Creatively reinterpreting classical dishes while remaining true to the Style of La Casa Sena. "I endeavor to create familiar dishes with unexpected details and reimagined presentations."
Building and supporting a team that is responsible for producing his food under his direction every day. "Any chef must recognize that they would not be where they are without their team, I never let my staff forget how important they are to our success."
Supporting the community through his unmatched commitment of buying and featuring local, New Mexican ingredients. "My food is generally not New Mexican in style but is most definitely is in origin! Whenever possible I utilize produce, meats and cheese from right here."
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".
Chef Patrick Gharrity list of accolades is long and well deserved. Perhaps his most proud professional achievement is winning the respect and allegiance of his Santa Fe neighbors and loyal out-of-town guests.
Come to La Casa Sena and experience the flavors that Chef Patrick is calling his ‘New American West' cuisine.
Buen Provecho!!
Chef Claudette Deaguero
Claudette Deaguero, Pastry Chef at La Casa Sena has spent most of her life in Santa Fe benefiting from all of its culinary resources. She discovered her passion for baking as a little girl in her grandparent's kitchen just off The Plaza. She graduated with honors in 2006 from the Santa Fe Community College with an Associates in Applied Science as a professional pastry chef. Claudette honed her skills at the nationally acclaimed Eldorado Hotel and the Five Diamond Encantado Resort as a pastry assistant. In 2009 Claudette joined the La Casa Sena family as head pastry chef, and has been drawing great acclaim since. She reveals her innovative styles and creative abilities in her signature cakes and the sophisticated desserts. Claudette expertly pairs savory and sweet together in her menus, and has built a reputation for this unique combination. She also makes special order custom cakes for birthdays, weddings and other celebrations. Claudette takes great pride in participating in community events and competitions; among her many achievements, she took first place in the Adobe Chef competition and was featured in 2009 in Localflavor Magazine. La Casa Sena and Cantina is proud to feature Claudette's supreme abilities and creativity.
