Tony Esnault

The Climb

The through-line in Tony Esnault’s work is produce: that is the stated priority, and the record of his career follows it. Training at François Rabelais culinary school in Lyon placed him in a city where technique and discipline still carry weight, and his early years moved through kitchens that reward precision over noise. That progression includes chef at Carré des Feuillants in Paris, France; chef at Montparnasse 25 in France; chef at L’Auberge de l’Île in Alsace, France; and, in 1996, chef at Louis XV in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The move to the United States brought him into different service rooms and different scales of operation: he worked as sous chef at Ritz Carlton in San Francisco, California, USA until 2002, then as executive chef at Ritz Carlton in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. the next appointments show the same ladder of responsibility in major rooms: executive chef at Alain Ducasse at the Essex House in New York City, New York, USA from 2005; chef at Adour at the St. Regis in New York City, New York, USA from 2007; chef at Patina in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, California, USA in 2009; and executive chef at Church & State in Los Angeles, California, USA in 2012. In 2016, Tony Esnault became chef / owner at Spring in Downtown Los Angeles, California, USA, and today he is chef / owner of Knife Pleat. Across those posts, the pattern is clear: successive kitchens, increasing authorship, and a consistent dependence on ingredients that read cleanly on the plate.

Today

At Knife Pleat, the Friday tasting menu gives a direct reading of the kitchen’s priorities. Squash Carpaccio opens the meal, and Poached Apricot with Honey Semifredo and Rosemary Crumble closes it. Between those points, the menu moves with control and economy, keeping close to seasonality, texture, and the natural language of the ingredient. That structure aligns with the record of Tony Esnault’s own words. The menu does not reach for excess to make its point; it uses produce as a central material, not a decorative one. The result is a kitchen voice built on clarity, balance, and a practiced restraint that lets the food carry the argument.

Career - chef / owner — Knife Pleat, Costa Mesa, California, USA (2019–present) - chef — Carré des Feuillants, Paris, France - chef — Montparnasse 25, France - chef — L’Auberge de l’Île, Alsace, France - chef — Louis XV, Monte Carlo, Monaco (from 1996) - sous chef — Ritz Carlton, San Francisco, California, USA (until 2002) - executive chef — Ritz Carlton, Boston, Massachusetts, USA - executive chef — Alain Ducasse at the Essex House, New York City, New York, USA (from 2005) - chef — Adour at the St. Regis, New York City, New York, USA (from 2007) Education: François Rabelais culinary school in Lyon

Signature

Tony's signature dishes include Squash Carpaccio, Poached Apricot with Honey Semifredo and Rosemary Crumble, and Cauliflower Soup. Taken together, they point to a kitchen that favors clean lines and measured composition. The names are explicit about the ingredients, and that directness tracks with the same produce-first outlook that has shaped his work from the start. Squash Carpaccio reads as precision; Poached Apricot with Honey Semifredo and Rosemary Crumble leans into contrast without losing balance; Cauliflower Soup signals comfort handled with control.

In Their Words “I’ve always had a big connection with produce and food.”

Recognition

Tony's honors include Michelin star, Michelin star, Michelin stars (2007), two Michelin stars (2007), Rising Star, and three stars (2007).

FAQ What is Tony Esnault's current role? As of 2026, Tony Esnault is chef / owner. Where did Tony Esnault train or study? Tony Esnault trained at François Rabelais culinary school in Lyon. What recognition has Tony Esnault received? Michelin star (2021).