Bios

Rodney Staton – Executive Chef
Executive Chef Rodney Staton took the helm at the Drawing Room in June 2012.  His style of Modern American cuisine with Mediterranean influences focuses on highlighting the ingredients on the plate.  Chef Staton established the foundation of his style in Seattle at Campagne, a French bistro in Pike Place market that introduced Chef to the importance of quality ingredients being the basis of any good plate.  This idea was solidified at Marisol, the eclectic eatery that shuttered after Hurricane Katrina.  Working there, under Peter Vasquez, Chef Staton expanded his repertoire to unusual ingredients and regional influences that you can now find gracing the Drawing Room menu.   Since then he’s honed his style and skills in the award winning kitchens such as Craftsteak, Spiaggia, Longman & Eagle.  With his beautiful plates and delicious flavor combinations, Chef Staton is a welcome addition to the Drawing Room.

 

Cristiana DeLucca – Chief Mixologist
Cristiana DeLucca, Chief Mixologist of The Drawing Room, is a veteran of the service industry with twelve years of experience.  She began working behind the bar to help pay her way through college, but in 2008, when she realized that bartending could be an art and a profession she began dedicating her life toward the practice.  Seeking out a venue that values taste and quality in their cocktails above all else, Cristi was attracted to the Drawing Room.  Night after night of sitting at the bar as a customer, studying the Master Bartenders and learning their trade, she was soon presented the opportunity to join the team.  It wasn’t long before she became the Drawing Room’s first bartender apprentice.  As an apprentice, she honed her skills under the watchful eyes of her predecessor, Charles Joly, as well as Tim Lacey.   After one year, she was invited to join the Master Bartender team.  Those years were dedicated to completing her formal training in BARsmarts and the Drawing Room, as well establish her name and reputation in the mixology community.  As one of the few female mixologists that are renowned nationally, Cristi is a trailblazer who continues to expand her boundaries and bring new and exciting flavors to her customers.

  • 11/08 Academy of Spirits and Fine Service; graduate
  • 03/09 Barsmarts Advanced; graduate
  • 06/09 Drawing Room Apprenticeship completed; Master Bartender level
  • 07/09 Leblon Cachaca Caipirinha Competition; National Finalist
  • 02/10  42Below Cocktail Competition; Regional Finalist
  • 07/10 Beverage Media; Ten Mixologists to Watch 2010
  • 07/10 Tales of the Cocktail; Cocktail Apprentice Program graduate
  • 04/12  Don Q Rum Cocktail Competition; Regional Finalist
  • 05/12 Campari Aperitivo Cocktail Competition; National Finalist