Meet Chef Eliza
Meet Chef Eliza, the restaurateur and award-winning chef of 221 South Oak in Telluride. Raised in Richmond, Virginia, Eliza ran her first kitchen while attending college. After graduation from the University of the South, Eliza moved to New Orleans hoping to expand her blossoming culinary career.
Her unique flavor palette reflects on experiences of growing up in the South, working at prestigious fine dining establishments in New Orleans and Napa Valley, attending Le Cordon Bleu in Paris France and from the Rocky Mountains.
After returning from France, Eliza worked on a cookbook before moving to Telluride. She then spent a winter working at 221 before she bought the restaurant in the autumn of 2000. Aside from owning her restaurant, Chef Eliza also earned a spot in Season 10’s Top Chef competition on Bravo. She has also competed on Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped. She has written 3 cookbooks, including an all vegetarian book named, Hold the Meat. Eliza has opened a fast casual restaurant in Telluride named LIZ, after her grandmother. LIZ serves healthy options at reasonable prices.
Sophie grew up in Madison Wisconsin with her parents and two younger sisters. Sophie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2022 with degrees in International Studies, Global Health, and Criminal Justice. Sophie’s love of travel compelled her to backpack around Europe. After Europe the irresistible pull of the mountains brought her to Telluride. One thing led to another, and after a fateful day of grating cheese, Chef Eliza took a chance on the kid from Wisconsin.
Juan is originally from the large historical city of Puebla Mexico. The Sous Chef spent several years in New York City honing his cooking skills before moving out West to the Town of Telluride. Juan moved to Telluride because, in his own words, the town is chingón and the beautiful awe inspiring scenery. Chef Eliza hired Juan to work in her kitchen. His dedicated hard work quickly earned the trust of the 221 South Oak Executive Chef and Owner, and he is now the bistro’s Sous Chef.
Isabella moved to Telluride in the Fall of 2020 to work as a teacher and baker in the area. After living in Vermont, as well as Sweden for a few years, she was looking to live the small town mountain life, and Telluride seemed like the perfect fit. A year later Isabella began working at 221 South Oak,, finding the restaurant as a vegan herself and wanting to be surrounded by the creativity of the restaurant. Outside of work you’ll find Isabella running in the mountains with her dog Hazel, and teaching yoga.
Our Pastry Chef, Kyrin Heiter, hails from the culinary metropolis of Los Angeles, California. In Los Angeles, Kyrie learned and refined his skills as a pastry chef. He specifically moved to Telluride to work for Chef Eliza at 221 South Oak. The chef felt his pastry knowledge would be a perfect compliment to Eliza’s eclectic and unique menu. Kyrin enjoys being a part of a team that is like family, and has fun with his teammates making amazing food at 221.
221 South Oak Street
Telluride, Colorado
970.591.5852
Summer Hours: 5pm-9pm M-SU
For All Inquiries Email:
221southoak@gmail.com
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