Chef Updates 2025
Kitchen musical chairs is in full swing across the DMV. From big-name chef moves to surprise swaps behind the pass, here’s the latest buzz on who’s cooking where and what it means for your next reservation:
Chef Update: Fred “Freddo” Anderson in at Cynthia Bar & Bistro: Cynthia Bar and Bistro has a new Executive Chef, Fred ‘Freddo’ Anderson—a homegrown talent returning to the H Street neighborhood where he was raised. While a menu update is still in the works, Anderson is making his presence known with a bold Father’s Day weekend special: a massive ax-handle ribeye steak for two, served with comforting, soulful sides. It’s a dish that reflects both his culinary style and his intention to make a big impact. 502 H Street NE, Washington, DC; cynthiadc.com
Chef Update: Nick Sharpe in at La Bise: Chef Nick Sharpe has been tapped to become the new executive chef at La Bise, joining the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group’s culinary team of talented chefs. A Maryland native, Sharpe most recently helmed the kitchen at Ceces Roland Park in Baltimore, Maryland, serving as a chef partner. Before this appointment, he was the executive chef at Cranes Spanish Kaiseki in Washington, D.C. His tenure in the nation’s capital includes being the opening executive chef at Lyle’s, a seasonal American restaurant and bar, from October 2019 to October 2021. 800 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 600; labisedc.com
Chef Update: Michael Fusano in at Annabelle: Ashok Bajaj, founder and CEO of award-winning Knightsbridge Restaurant Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Fusano as the new executive chef of the Michelin Guide recommended modern American cuisine restaurant, Annabelle. Michael Fusano hails from Southern California. Classically French trained at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Pasadena, California, in 2000, Fusano was tapped for his first opportunity as a cook, working for his early mentor Chef Robert Gadsby at Noe Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. 2132 Florida Avenue, NW; Annabelledc.com
Chef Update: Lyndsey Barton at The Fairmont: Lyndsey Barton has been appointed executive pastry chef for Fairmont Washington. Prior to joining Fairmont, Barton was the pastry sous chef for MGM National Harbor from October of 2023. There, she handled high-volume pastry production, recipe development and created high-end culinary experiences for guests. fairmont.com
Chef Update: C.R. Defuoco at Great Oak Manor: Chestertown boutique hotel, Great Oak Manor, is announcing the appointment of a new chef, C.R. Defuoco, who’ll oversee culinary operations at the property. Kellye Walker and Werten Bellamy purchased the manor in 2022 with a vision to reimagine the space while emphasizing wellness and connection and offering guests a tranquil escape to the Eastern Shore. With their ‘Taste of Great Oak Manor’ series, culinary excellence is also a focus where the property hosts award-winning chefs for immersive weekends of dinners, fireside chats, cooking classes and more. Upcoming events in the fall will feature weekends with chef Angel Barreto of Anju and chef Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster. Chef's culinary career humbly began as a dishwasher at Manor House in upstate New York, eventually becoming a line cook. After six years serving active duty overseas, Defuoco explored his passion for cooking through experimenting with the flavors of Japan, where he visited while stationed in South Korea. He recently worked alongside Hiro Yamamoto at Ebisu Japanese Restaurant as head chef, deepening his understanding of traditional Japanese cooking and techniques. greatoakmanor.com
