Vitaly Paley

The Path

French Culinary Institute gave Vitaly Paley the technical base; Au Moulin de la Gorce in France added apprenticeship discipline before the work moved through Union Square Café in New York City, Remi in New York City, and Chanterelle in New York City. In 1995, Paley's Place in Portland, Oregon became the long-running platform for his chef-restaurateur work, and that Portland footprint later expanded with Imperial in Portland, Oregon (from 2012), DaNet in Portland, Oregon (from 2014), Headwaters in Portland, Oregon (from 2016), The Crown in Portland, Oregon (from 2017), and Rosa Rosa in Portland, Oregon (2019–2020). Today, Vitaly is Culinary Ambassador of Blue Ocean Mariculture.

The Work Today

Blue Ocean Mariculture is where Vitaly Paley now serves as Culinary Ambassador, extending a career built across classic and contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine. The current role keeps his work tied to product, sourcing, and the translation of that material into restaurant language.

Career - Culinary Ambassador — Blue Ocean Mariculture - apprentice — Au Moulin de la Gorce, France - worked — Union Square Café, New York City - worked — Remi, New York City - worked — Chanterelle, New York City - chef and restaurateur — Paley's Place, Portland, Oregon (from 1995) - chef and restaurateur — Imperial, Portland, Oregon (from 2012) - chef and restaurateur — DaNet, Portland, Oregon (from 2014) - chef and restaurateur — Headwaters, Portland, Oregon (from 2016) Education: French Culinary Institute

Acclaim

Vitaly's honors include James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Northwest/Hawaii (2005) and Iron Chef America season 9 winner (2011).

FAQ What is Vitaly Paley's current role? As of 2026, Vitaly Paley is Culinary Ambassador. Where did Vitaly Paley train or study? Vitaly Paley trained at French Culinary Institute. What recognition has Vitaly Paley received? James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Northwest/Hawaii (2005).