Guest Chefs at Gather55
Each month, Gather55 welcomes a guest chef to craft a limited-run dinner menu that reflects their story and culinary point of view. Your reservation helps power our daytime community café and Hands On Hartford’s food access programs, thank you for dining with purpose.
Chef Omar Soriano, Máncora Restobar
Omar Soriano
Omar Soriano – Chef, Máncora Restobar
Chef Omar Soriano brings more than 20 years of culinary experience and a deep passion for Peruvian cuisine. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to mastering traditional techniques while refining his own style rooted in authenticity and bold flavor. Through Máncora, Chef Omar is committed to sharing the richness of Peruvian gastronomy while creating meaningful dining experiences.
Featured Dishes:
- Causa Limeña – Mashed potato seasoned with lemon and yellow chili pepper filled with chicken.
- Pescado A Lo Macho – Filet of fish, topped with a spicy, creamy seafood sauce, served with rice.
- Cheesecake De Lucuma – Cheesecake made with a creamy filling of cheeseand lúcuma.
Recently Featured
Chefs Vinnie Carbone and Matthew Ambrose
Vinnie Carbone is the third-generation chef and owner of Carbone’s Hospitality, the family-owned group behind some of Connecticut’s most beloved Italian restaurants, including Carbone’s Kitchen in Bloomfield and Carbone’s Prime in Rocky Hill.
Matthew Ambrose serves as Executive Chef and Partner within the Carbone’s Hospitality group, where he plays a key culinary leadership role across multiple concepts, including Carbone’s Kitchen and Carbone’s Prime.
Chef Ashley Flagg
Chef Ashley is a Connecticut native who throughout her career has had the privilege of working at several renowned establishments, and is thrilled to be using all her career long lessons in her own restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut.
A passionate advocate for New England's rich agriculture, Chef Ashley takes pride in incorporating local, seasonal ingredients into her globally inspired menu at The Laurel.
Chef Terry Walters
Author of Nourish Plant-Based Recipes to Feed Body Mind Soul
Upcoming Guest Chefs
April 2026
Chefs Louise Albin and Don Fritz of Cafe Loiuse will be Gather55's Guest Chefs for April 2026.
May 2026
Bolivar Hilario of Community Table will be Gather55's May guest chef.