Style

Chef Neil Clooney's rich culinary background, dedication to scratch cooking, and accolades earned along the way make him a true maestro in the art of crafting extraordinary dining experiences.

Chef Neil Clooney embarked on his culinary career with a profound admiration for the art of scratch cooking, driven by his belief in the power of food to create a comforting and enjoyable experience for people.

Neil approaches menu development aiming to present an authentic representation of food infused with his own creative interpretations.

History

Neil made a significant culinary impact as the driving force behind the acclaimed Smithfield’s Restaurant in Ashland. His expertise flourished after his move to the United States in 2002, where he assumed the role of executive chef at Cantina, the flagship restaurant of renowned chef Isabel Cruz, in San Diego.

Subsequently, Neil ventured into a business partnership, resulting in the establishment of Dragonfly Cafe and Gardens in Ashland, Oregon, where he effectively managed all food operations from 2004 to 2010.

Neil's culinary expertise extends beyond his American ventures. He completed a rigorous culinary apprenticeship in the UK, honing his skills in various cuisines while working on the renowned Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise liner.

He also gained valuable experience at esteemed establishments such as the Goring Hotel and Ransomes Dock restaurant in London.

Awards

Throughout his journey, Neil's culinary prowess earned him several accolades, including consecutive victories in local and state cooking competitions.

His exceptional skills led to him claiming the Ashland Food and Wine Classic titles in 2007 and 2008, as well as securing the prestigious Oregon Iron Chef title in 2008 and 2009.

Our scratch kitchen is proudly based in Ashland, Oregon.

We utilize Southern Oregon and Regional suppliers to create our menus.

Ethically sourced products allows us to support the local economy.