Our Team
The people who make the magic happen
The people who make the magic happen
James grew up on an Ohio farm, left for the bright lights of Chicago's fine-dining scene, and returned home with a Michelin star's worth of technique and an unshakable belief that the best food comes from knowing your farmers by name.
After fifteen years in high-pressure kitchens, he traded the white tablecloths for reclaimed wood and river views. At Riverside Bistro, James leads a kitchen that's equal parts discipline and joy—where the team tastes everything together, visits farms weekly, and treats every plate as if it's going to their own table.
“Cooking is listening. To the ingredient, to the season, to the person sitting across the table.”
Every great meal is a collaboration. These are the people who make Riverside Bistro what it is.
Trained in Rome and New York, Marco brings Mediterranean precision to Ohio ingredients. His pasta program is legendary.
Elena's desserts are where science meets soul. Her chocolate fondant has a waiting list, and her seasonal crumbles steal the show.
With a gift for making wine approachable, Catherine curates pairings that enhance every dish without ever feeling stuffy.
David sets the tone from the moment you walk in. Warm, attentive, and always one step ahead—he turns first-timers into regulars.
From intimate dinners to riverside celebrations, Amira orchestrates private events with creativity and attention to every detail.