Wayne Dixon brings a fresh approach to food at Napa Restaurant

Change is in the air at Chiswick Moran Hotel as new Head Chef Wayne Dixon takes over the kitchen.

Formerly of Bush Bar & Grill and Quaglino’s, Wayne launched his new menus in both the Napa Restaurant and the Globe Bar this week and chiswickw4.com went along to talk to him about his gastronomic plans.

"We're really making big positive changes here. I really want to bring a more relaxed atmosphere to the restaurant. Food should be enjoyed and I want Napa to be a place where local people feel comfortable to drop in anytime. Ideally I'm looking to replicate the laidback feel of the Bush and move away from a hotel atmosphere." said Wayne.

He believes that information about produce is key to heightening diners' enjoyment of their meal. "We will be including a certain amount of information on the menus - in plain English - but it will be the waiting staff who will be the ones to inform diners in detail about the dishes, the produce and their origins."

He went on to explain how his staff will be asked to not only taste the dishes on the menu but also the learn details of the ingredients and a fact or two of the dishes origins. (Wayne tells a great story about how Caeser salad got its name).

"I've learnt my trade over the past 17 years and built up a large amount of knowledge. I'm passionate about food and I want this to come across to our customers. We have a great motivated team here with a shared vision and who are as excited as I am about the future."

Napa has come under criticism in the past for less than perfect service. "We've listened to all the feedback we have received from hotel clients, locals and of course the chiswickw4.com forum!" says Sales Director Robert Russell "and we took it all on board."

"Although the restaurant and bar food will be essentially chef led, Napa has a new management team headed up by Pablo Rubio and two assistant managers. The Globe Bar also has a new manager, Neil Millington who has joined us from Che, a lounge/cigar bar in St James’s."

The new menus are now in place in the Globe Bar and for dinner in Napa Restaurant. The lunch buffet will run until 1st June when a new menu featuring salads and lighter dishes will be launched.

May 18, 2007