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 Don Fritz, Café Louise
Don Fritz
Don Fritz – Chef, Café Louise
Chef Don developed a passion for food and cooking at his mother’s stove. Between her Italian heritage and her love of Julia Child she instilled in him a desire to spend his life feeding those he loves. After decades in the restaurant business, he is thrilled to be working alongside Louise Albin at Café Louise.
Chef Don has varied experience, from owning Pizzeria Sassano to being the Executive Chef at Central Connecticut State University (overseeing catering events for as many as 400 people!)
Featured Dishes:
- Potato Leek Soup with crème fraiche, frizzled leeks, and chive oil.
- Braised Short Ribs with mashed potatoes, roasted carrot puree, cremini mushrooms, and a red wine sauce.
- Carrot Raisin Pecan Cake with pecan crunch filling and cream cheese icing.
Recently Featured
Chef Omar Soriano
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.
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.
Upcoming Guest Chefs
May 2026
Bolivar Hilario of Community Table will be Gather55's May guest chef.
June 2026
Ryan Van Grouw of No Mames will be Gather55's June guest chef.