Acclaimed Chefs Swap Kitchens, Giving Foodies A Unique Dining Experience

It's not often chefs from two acclaimed restaurants relinquish the command of their kitchen, but on December 2nd - 4th RH at Andaz West Hollywood, CA and Trattoria Mollie in Santa Barbara, CA will have a new chef in their kitchens as part of a chef swap.

Chef Mollie Ahlstrand from Oprah Winfrey-favorite Trattoria Mollie and highly acclaimed Chef Sebastien Archambault from RH, will be swapping kitchens and cooking up tasting menus showcasing dishes that have made their restaurants hits amongst foodies and critics alike.

"Chef Mollie and I share a similar approach to cooking because we both emphasize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients," said Chef Sebastien. "Cooking food in the kitchen of a chef you respect is not only exciting for both of us, but the result is great food from a different destination."

The RH/Trattoria Mollie chef swap will give gastronomes the chance to savor Chef Sebastien's s Southwestern French cuisine which earned RH three stars from the Los Angeles Times, while RH diners can enjoy the Italian fare that named Trattoria Mollie in National Geographic's The Ten Best of Everything: An Ultimate Guide For Travelers as one of the "Ten Best Destination & Special Restaurants in the World."

"When I travel in Europe, Asia or here in the U.S., I always enjoy experiencing the work of fellow food professionals." said Chef Mollie. "I look forward to Sebastien's visit to Trattoria Mollie to introduce him to my beloved Santa Barbara customers so they may enjoy a new food experience. I hope to meet new and visit with old friends from the beautiful Los Angeles communities."

Menu highlights prepared by Chef Mollie at RH include: Crostini ai Funghi, Ossobuco con Verdura and Panna Cotta.

Chef Sebastien's specialties prepared at Trattoria Mollie include: a terrine of Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Homemade Duck Confit with Sauteed Potatoes and Green Onions and Warm Plum Pie with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream.

The Chef Swap Dinner Service at Trattoria Mollie and RH is $65(non-inclusive) per person.


ABOUT TRATTORIA MOLLIE Ethiopian born and Italian-trained, Chef Mollie Ahlstrand helms the kitchen at Trattoria Mollie where she has been serving fresh and simple Italian classics with an emphasis on organic foods and locally-sourced products for over fifteen years. Chef Mollie was trained in Rome, Umbria and Bologna. Studying under Gianfranco Vissani whose restaurant in Braschi has the highest rating in La Guide De l'Espresso, the Italian Michelin style guide, Chef Mollie also received a pasta education in Bologna and mastered the centuries old technique to prepare Ciabatta bread in Padua. In turn, Chef Mollie's culinary acumen and vivacious personality has garnered a celebrity following that includes Oprah Winfrey, John Cleese, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones and as well as the Obamas. Trattoria Mollie holds the Star Diamond Award and is noted as one of National Geographic's The Ten Best of Everything: An Ultimate Guide For Travelers as one of the "Ten Best Destination & Special Restaurants in the World. Trattoria Mollie 1250 Village Road, Montecito CA 93108 805-565-9381

ABOUT RH Located at Andaz West Hollywood, the 100-seat RH restaurant and bar showcases the menus of highly acclaimed Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault, Now his Southwestern French cuisine featuring California's freshest ingredients is prepared in an exciting culinary setting - the 1,515-square-foot exhibition-style open kitchen. Private dining is also available for up to 12 people along an expansive 400-bottle wine wall. The eclectic wine list features 70 varieties of California and French small-lot, hand-crafted boutique wines. RH's overall ambiance is elegant and refined, yet casual and comfortable, with a fresh and lively mid-century vibe. It is open daily from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. Brea