A new chef and fresh inspiration at Thomas Hill Organics
Chef Christopher Manning joins Paso Robles culinary scene by way of Napa
Chef Christopher Manning
When Thomas Hill Organics Wine Bar & Bistro appointed Chef Christopher Manning as Executive Chef this summer, his first assignment was to design and execute dinner for 260 guests from a mobile kitchen at historic Hearst Castle. Six courses and plenty of accolades later, Manning and Thomas Hill Organics’ relationship has forged the fire, somewhat literally.
“Thomas Hill is the kind of restaurant every chef hopes to work in,” said Manning. “Elegant and approachable, creating a warm carnival for the senses with fresh, local ingredients.”
Manning caught owner Debbie Thomas’ attention with his work as executive chef at étoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon and Peju Winery, both in Napa Valley.
“Chef Manning’s background in wine country dining is second-to-none,” said Thomas. “Partnering with him is a win-win because he shares our appreciation for fresh, regional ingredients, creatively prepared.”
A native of Montana, Manning exhibited a passion for cooking at an early age, creating dishes for his family as an after school hobby. Throughout high school, he worked in the kitchen of the Montana Grill, a local favorite eatery, and ultimately decided to pursue a serious career in food.
When his culinary arts professor, chef Mark Hogan at Flathead Valley Community College, saw Manning’s potential, he invited the young chef on a culinary excursion through Europe where they dined at distinguished restaurants and attended classes at the famed Le Cordon Bleu schools in Paris, London and Florence. This worldly immersion dramatically transformed Manning’s view of food and cooking as he became fascinated with new ingredients and techniques.
In 2000, Manning earned a degree from San Francisco’s prestigious California Culinary Academy and worked under acclaimed chef Laurent Manrique at Campton Place Restaurant. And, as often happens, love for all things food led to a love for all things wine, eventually leading him to the Napa Valley where he could fully explore the interplay between food and wine.
Cooking at étoile, Manning’s talent and creativity in the kitchen led to the restaurant being named “the ultimate Napa Valley dining experience” by the Press-Democrat, and paved the way for its Michelin star rating. It was during this time that Manning was sent to Moët & Chandon in Epernay, France, to further refine his culinary skills under legendary Chefs Pascal Tingaud and Bernard Dance. Soon thereafter, he was invited to host a dinner at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, in addition to creating and executing a private dinner party for 12 people that raised over $91,000 for charities in Bethesda, Maryland.
At Peju Winery, Manning launched and oversaw fresh and original menu ideas in its culinary programs, including Peju’s weekly wine and food pairings, cooking demonstrations and classes, chef’s table gatherings, winemaker dinners, wine club events, and private affairs.
Since his appointment at Thomas Hill Organics, Manning has already started to incorporate his own signature on the menu. In terms of style, his cuisine adapts to the seasons with a blend of classical French tradition and avant-garde creativity – a style that is very much in-line with that of Thomas Hill. “With the season about to change, this is an opportune time to switch things up. My creativity materializes from what I have in front of me; inspiration comes from which ingredients are available to me in the moment.”
With the success of Manning’s foray into Central Coast catering at the Hearst Castle dinner, Thomas Hill Organics plans to ramp up its catering program. And while Manning certainly has plenty of recipes to bring to the table, he knows that integrating his experience with his new kitchen takes time. “I’m only one and a half months in with Thomas Hill Organics right now,” he said. “This feels right and I’m excited to call Thomas Hill Organics and the Central Coast home.
“Joining with Debbie and her team is great because they’re really passionate about sustainability and farm-to-table dining,” he added. “They get that, ultimately, it’s about having fun and making beautiful food.”
About Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Bar
Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Bar sources an array of fresh ingredients to create bold, imaginative dishes. What began as an organic CSA showcasing the Central Coast’s bounty evolved into a popular destination for honest food, creatively prepared. Owner Debbie Thomas and Executive Chef Christopher Manning believe in the significance of organic, regionally-produced food, working with local farmers and purveyors for poultry, seafood, grass-fed beef, lamb and exotic meats. THO is located at 1313 Park St., Paso Robles, CA 93446. Call for reservations (805) 226-5888.
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