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.
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.
She is excited to share her love of diverse cuisines and craft shareable, thoughtfully composed dishes that highlight the best of both local and international flavors.
Featured Dishes:
- Chorizo and bravas w/ crispy potatoes, chimichurri, spicy aioli
- Half roasted chicken w/ Ghanaian peanut stew, sweet potatoes flatbread
- Sticky toffee pudding w/ brandy toffee sauce, dates
Recently Featured
Chef Terry Walters
Author of Nourish Plant-Based Recipes to Feed Body Mind Soul
Chef Carlos Perez
Originally studying in Manhattan under some of New York’s top chefs, Chef Perez spent the last few years working around CT before finding a home in Litchfield. His approach to cooking can be described as sustainable farm-to-table, paired with a modern influence along with an extensive background in pastry.
Chef Joel Gargano
Chef Joel Gargano, a Connecticut native and son of Italian bakers, began learning the trade in his parents' bakery at a young age with his father.
It didn’t take long for him to discover the gratification from cooking. As a graduate of Johnson and Wales, finishing with a Masters Degree in Culinary Education, the aspiring chef always connected teaching and cooking. While holding positions as an educator, Joel has been cooking professionally for over 20 years.
Chef Gargano has worked in several top kitchens in New England such as Chez Pascal in Providence, RI, Union League Café in New Haven, CT, and Bar Bouchée in Madison, CT. More recently, Chef Joel has worked at LINCOLN Ristorante in New York City, under Chef Jonathan Benno, and spent time at Millwright’s Restaurant and Tavern in Simsbury, CT with James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist, Chef Tyler Anderson.
Upcoming Guest Chefs
February 2026
Chef Vinnie Carbone is a chef and owner of Carbone Hospitality Group
March 2026
Victor Soriano is a chef at Máncora Restobar in Hartford, CT.