New Corporate Chef Appointed at Coral Tree Café

Los Angeles, CA (I-Newswire) December 29, 2011 - Kevin Khalili, CEO of Coral Tree Café, has announced the appointment of acclaimed Chef Joseph Gillard as Corporate Chef/Head of Culinary Operations for the restaurant group. "I am excited to join a growing company whose standards of sustainability aligns with my own. Our shared philosophy of farm to table cooking, use of local purveyors and thoughtful preparation makes a perfect partnership," states Chef Joseph Gillard, on his newfound employment at Coral Tree Café. In this role, Chef Joseph will be in charge of overseeing all culinary operations, including recipe development & modification, catering & events, as well as kitchen management.

Before acquiring his position at Coral Tree Café, Chef Joseph Gillard held the title of Executive Chef at Tavistock Restaurant “Napa Valley Grille” in Westwood, CA. During his time as Executive Chef, Gillard maintained a farmer’s market menu including many sustainable and organic pre fixe menus, performed at numerous high-profile film premiere events, as well as effectively executed offsite catering events.

During the course of his career, Chef Joseph has directed fine dining at many high volume, high-profile restaurants, hotels, and catering events nationwide. Prior to working at Napa Valley Grille, Chef Joseph served as an Executive Chef at Sunset Beach Restaurant, Mirabelle Restaurant, various restaurants and steakhouses under the Patina Group, and performed as an Executive Sous Chef at Egypt Valley Country Club and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Michigan. He has also had the opportunity to develop opening menus at several locations, executed catering events with up to 2,500 guests, and even started a community-supported agriculture program with Country Fresh Farm. Gillard has received accolades from highly-acclaimed distributions such as Los Angeles Times, Angeleno, Washington Post, KNBC, Gourmet Magazine, KCET, KCRW, Huffington Post, and Los Angeles Magazine, and has appeared on several TV Shows including ABC 7 News, Good Day LA, Jamie Oliver’s “Food Revolution,” and Fine Living Network’s “Opening Soon.”

Chef Joseph Gillard was raised in Fremont, Michigan, where Gillard’s family maintained goats, chickens, rabbits, pigs, pheasants, and cows, which instilled a respect and devotion to using sustainable, high-quality local produce, as well as an eagerness to begin a life dedicated to culinary arts. Gillard graduated from Grand Rapids College with an A.A.S. in Culinary Arts, where he received the Faculty Recognition Award of the Year, and moved to California in 1993 to begin working for the Patina Group.

About Coral Tree Cafe:
Coral Tree Cafe answers an increasing demand for healthy dining in a casual atmosphere. Our goal is to provide top-quality food and a comfortable ambience with both indoor and outdoor patio seating.

All our coffees are certified organic, shade grown and fairly traded. We are infamous for our fresh roasts and grilled panini sandwiches. We also feature healthy salads, vegan-friendly menu items, and an extensive breakfast menu.

Coral Tree Cafe's name was inspired by the beautiful coral trees lining San Vicente Blvd at our Brentwood location. We are committed to the environment, our customers' health, and fair trade practices. Come join us soon!

Company Contact Information
Coral Tree Cafe
Amber Jamal
10850 Wilshire Blvd #403
90024
Phone : (310) 474-8633