Chef, Restaurateur, and Author
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Tom Valenti's life.
Tom was born
· Morristown, New Jersey, USA
Milestone
Tom Valenti achieved widespread recognition as the Executive Chef at Alison on Dominick. His innovative approach to traditional flavors earned the establishment the title of Best New Restaurant from Esquire magazine. This critical acclaim firmly established him as a rising star in the competitive Manhattan culinary scene. Food and Wine magazine subsequently named him one of the Ten Best New Chefs in the country.
Milestone
Tom Valenti achieved widespread recognition as the Executive Chef at Alison on Dominick. His innovative approach to traditional flavors earned the establishment the title of Best New Restaurant from Esquire magazine. This critical acclaim firmly established him as a rising star in the competitive Manhattan culinary scene. Food and Wine magazine subsequently named him one of the Ten Best New Chefs in the country.
Restaurant Opening and Charity Launch
Valenti opened his signature restaurant, Ouest, bringing haute cuisine to the Upper West Side. The establishment was widely credited with transforming the neighborhood into a major dining destination. Following the September 11 attacks, he demonstrated profound community leadership by co-founding the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. Through the Dine Out initiative, he helped raise over $23 million to support the families of food service workers who lost their lives.
Restaurant Opening and Charity Launch
Valenti opened his signature restaurant, Ouest, bringing haute cuisine to the Upper West Side. The establishment was widely credited with transforming the neighborhood into a major dining destination. Following the September 11 attacks, he demonstrated profound community leadership by co-founding the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. Through the Dine Out initiative, he helped raise over $23 million to support the families of food service workers who lost their lives.
Restaurant Opening
Continuing his deep association with the Upper West Side, Valenti opened 'Cesca on Broadway and 75th Street. He named the Italian restaurant as a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother, Nonni, who first taught him to cook. The venue further cemented his status as a neighborhood icon and a master of comforting, slow-cooked cuisine. It became a beloved staple for locals seeking his signature robust flavors.
Restaurant Opening
Continuing his deep association with the Upper West Side, Valenti opened 'Cesca on Broadway and 75th Street. He named the Italian restaurant as a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother, Nonni, who first taught him to cook. The venue further cemented his status as a neighborhood icon and a master of comforting, slow-cooked cuisine. It became a beloved staple for locals seeking his signature robust flavors.
Professional Appointment
In his later career, Valenti moved his culinary talents to Northern New Jersey. He took on the role of Executive Chef at the acclaimed Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen. This transition allowed him to bring his signature braised dishes and mentorship skills to a new community of diners and young chefs. He continued to shape the regional dining landscape until his final days.
Professional Appointment
In his later career, Valenti moved his culinary talents to Northern New Jersey. He took on the role of Executive Chef at the acclaimed Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen. This transition allowed him to bring his signature braised dishes and mentorship skills to a new community of diners and young chefs. He continued to shape the regional dining landscape until his final days.
Tom Valenti passed away
