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
Community Table
Jo-Ann Makovitzky – Managing Partner
Marco Moreira – Interim Executive Chef
Dylan Goff – Sous Chef
Michelle Sosoranga - Pastry Chef
Community Table brings together a talented and diverse culinary team led by Managing Partner Jo-Ann Makovitzky, a New York native and Culinary Institute of America graduate whose decades of experience include acclaimed restaurants such as Tocqueville, 15 East, The Fourth, and Botequim. Partnering with her is Interim Executive Chef Marco Moreira, a Brazilian-born chef whose global perspective and refined technique were shaped in legendary kitchens like Bouley and The Quilted Giraffe, and whose cuisine seamlessly blends French, American, Japanese, and Brazilian influences with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. Supporting the kitchen is Sous Chef Dylan Goff, a Connecticut native whose 15-year career and steady rise through every station at Community Table reflect his dedication, teamwork, and deep connection to the local community. Completing the team is Pastry Chef Michelle Sosoranga, originally from Quito, Ecuador, whose unique journey from forensic science to baking informs her precise, creative approach to pastry, resulting in desserts that balance technical discipline with artistic expression. Together, this team delivers a thoughtful, innovative, and elevated dining experience rooted in both expertise and passion.
Featured Dishes:
- Hay Smoked Beets with Whipped Goat Cheese, Fennel, Arugula, Pepitas, and Lemongrass-Vinegar Geleé.
- Pan-Seared New England Cod with Sweet Corn Sucotash, Chantelle Mushrooms, Fava Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Fine Herbs, and Mushrooms Lardons Jus.
- Warm Blood Orange Upside-Down Cake with Gran Marnier Sabayon.
Recently Featured
Community Table
Managing Partner, Community Table
A New York native and graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Jo-Ann brings decades of hospitality experience and visionary leadership to Community Table. This is her fifth restaurant, following the success of beloved New York City destinations including Tocqueville, the Michelin-starred 15 East, The Fourth, and Botequim, all located in the Union Square neighborhood.
Sous Chef, Community Table
A Connecticut native with 15 years in the industry, Chef Dylan Goff’s journey reflects passion, persistence, and growth. Since joining Community Table in 2023, he has worked his way through every station in the kitchen and earned his role as Sous Chef through dedication and skill. Known for his strong work ethic and team-driven approach, Chef Goff brings both experience and heart to every dish he helps create. His connection to the local community and commitment to his craft make him an exciting part of this culinary experience.
Interim Executive Chef, Community Table
Brazilian-born and globally inspired, Chef Marco Moreira brings decades of culinary excellence to the table. After arriving in New York City in the early 1980s, he began as a sushi chef during the city’s culinary evolution and quickly rose through the ranks to work in legendary kitchens like Bouley and The Quilted Giraffe. As the visionary behind acclaimed restaurants such as Tocqueville and 15 East, Chef Moreira has built a reputation for blending French, American, Japanese, and Brazilian influences into refined and unforgettable dishes. His cuisine is rooted in seasonality and showcases the best of local ingredients with precision and creativity. With a career defined by innovation and timeless technique, Chef Moreira delivers an elevated dining experience you will not want to miss.
Pastry Chef, Community Table
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Michele began her journey studying forensic science before moving to Northwest Connecticut. After arriving in the United States, she discovered a passion for baking and pursued an apprenticeship where her scientific mindset helped her quickly master the technical precision of the craft. That foundation continues to shape her thoughtful and disciplined approach in the kitchen. Michele’s dedication, creativity, and growth make her an essential part of the team. Her work reflects both artistry and precision, marking her as a standout talent to watch.
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.
Upcoming Guest Chefs
May 2026
Chefs Michelle Sosoranga, Dylan Goff, Marco Morerira, and Joann Makovitzky of Community Table will be Gather55's May guest chefs.
June 2026
Ryan Van Grouw of No Mames will be Gather55's June guest chef.