ICE Alumni David Viana smiles into the camera wearing a collared shirt and grey apron

David Viana

Alumni
Heirloom Kitchen, The Lovely Lita, Judy & Harry's at St. Laurent Social Club, La Otra, Chef/Owner
New Jersey

Biography

Chef David Viana鈥檚 name is synonymous with culinary excellence. The James Beard-nominated chef鈥檚 journey rests on a foundation of rigorous training under culinary luminaries like Bobby Flay, Anne Burrell and Michael White. These affiliations, along with his time at renowned establishments such as Eleven Madison Park and the two Michelin-starred Villa Joya in Portugal, instilled in him respect for tradition and hunger for innovation. 

During his tenure as Executive Chef at The Kitchen at Grove Station, his artistry earned the New Jersey gastropub three stars from The New York Times. This success launched a thriving career that reflects Chef Viana鈥檚 commitment to honoring his family鈥檚 Portuguese roots and celebrating the local ingredients of his native New Jersey. 

Today, Chef Viana is heralded for his own restaurant group. Heirloom Kitchen, Lita, and Judy鈥檚 & Harry鈥檚 at the St. Laurent Social Club all bear the imprint of his distinct culinary philosophy: reverence for seasonal ingredients; commitment to local and sustainable sourcing; and unwavering dedication to crafting visually stunning and deeply flavorful dishes. 

Beyond the plate, Chef Viana fosters a welcoming dining experience and an innovative approach to staffing, which sees employees rotate through kitchen and service positions in an effort to improve communication, appreciation and understanding across all functions within the restaurant team.

Education

  • The 天美传媒, Culinary Arts, 2005
  • Seton Hall University, BA, Criminal Justice, 2003 

Awards & Honors

  • The James Beard Awards;semi-finalist 鈥淏est Chef: Mid-Atlantic,鈥 Heirloom Kitchen
  • 鈥50 Best New Restaurants in America,鈥 Esquire, Lita
  • Winner, PEI International Shellfish Festival: Garland Canada International Chef Challenge
  • Three Stars The New York Times: The Kitchen at Grove Station, Executive Chef
  • Three and a half Stars The Star-Ledger, Heirloom Kitchen

TV Appearances

  • Bravo's Top Chef: Season 16  (2018)