Chef Aaron Bellizzi joins The Clifton as Executive Chef, bringing over 25 years of culinary excellence shaped by experiences in New York City, Philadelphia, Sea Island, GA and now Charlottesville, VA.
A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Chef Bellizzi's passion for the culinary arts began early in his career in New York, where he discovered the profound joy that food can bring to guests. He credits his mentor Chef Walter Abrams, a former French Laundry alumns, with inspiring his approach to both cuisine and leadership---instilling in him a respect for precision, seasonality and creativity.
At The Clifton's signature Restaurant, 1799, Chef Bellizzi merges classical French technique with local partnerships and seasonal ingredients to craft dishes that are both timeless and inspired. "I look forward to fostering a culture of continuous improvement while upholding the lineage of creativity and elegance The Clifton is known for," he says. It is an honor to lead this talented team and cook for such a vibrant community.
