Suzette Gresham
Suzette Gresham | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Suzette Gresham-Tognetti |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, restaurateur |
| Known for | Earning two Michelin stars at Acquerello |
Suzette Gresham, also referred to as Suzette Gresham-Tognetti, is an American culinary professional recognized for earning two Michelin stars at her San Francisco establishment, Acquerello.
Career
Gresham's career advanced when she assumed the role of head chef at The Donatello hotel in San Francisco in 1988, having been recruited by front of house manager Giancarlo Paterlini. Although her gender initially led to preconceived notions, she quickly gained respect through her effective leadership. The hotel's proprietors faced financial difficulties as a result of the 1989 savings and loan crisis.
In 1989, Gresham partnered with Paterlini to launch Acquerello in Nob Hill, with Gresham leading the kitchen and Paterlini overseeing front of house operations. Following a brief two-week renovation, Acquerello opened its doors, fostering a culture focused on rigorous staff training; Gresham assigned externship projects and motivated employees to study culinary texts, even reimbursing their cookbook purchases. Acquerello was awarded its inaugural Michelin star in 2007 and secured a second star in 2014, positioning Gresham among only three female chefs in the United States with two Michelin stars.
After dedicating 24 years to Acquerello, Gresham and Paterlini inaugurated a second venue named 1760 on Polk Street in 2013. In this venture, Gresham acted as chef patron while Adam Tortosa took on the head chef responsibilities. This restaurant ceased operations in 2020.
The premises formerly occupied by 1760 were converted in 2021 into Sorella, a cocktail lounge offering small plates. The kitchen team features chef de cuisine Denise St. Onge, alongside Seth Turiansky and operational support from Gresham.