Seth Gardner To Join The Laidback Family

Seth Siegel-Gardner acquired a taste for his future in culinary arts as a child. Born in Houston, Seth put his pricy Montessori tuition to good use by peeling carrots in a corner. At the age of 14, Seth parlayed that into a job for Tony Mandola, as an illustrious napkin roller.

Today he joins the crew at laidback manor with a bit more experience under his belt. Attending college at the University of Denver, he obtained a degree in Philosophy while he worked as a chef at several fine dining Denver institutions, including the Brown Palace.

After graduation, he moved to Connecticut and joined the Max Restaurant group which oversaw catering for the Wortham and was voted one of the top 4 restaurants in the state.

In 2001, Seth moved to New York and served as Sous Chef at the destination spot, three star Scandinavian restaurant, Aquavit. He not only traveled with Marcus Samuelsson, but learned some Scandinavian words of ill-repute and Japanese along the way.

For the past year, Seth has worked along side Scott Conant, as Tourneau Chef at his new restaurant, Alto in New York City.

Look for the doors to open December 2005 at 706 Main St. near Capitol, Houston, TX 77002, 713-227-0402.