Meet the Chef: Preserve’s Executive Chef, Gene Hall
Gene Hall’s journey to the kitchen began long before he ever tied on his first apron — you could say it’s in his blood. His grandfather was a chef, and Gene grew up knowing that the real magic in life often happens around a stove (and occasionally, over a sink full of dishes).
After building his culinary foundation as a line cook in kitchens across Napa Valley, Gene found his culinary home at Farmstead, where he spent 12 years as Sous Chef. In 2022, he stepped into the role of Executive Chef at Preserve, bringing with him a passion for casual, American farm-to-fork cooking, a love of preservation, and a knack for turning humble ingredients into something worth lingering over.
Gene often recalls the words of J.R.R. Tolkien: “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” It’s a sentiment that guides his cooking — respect the seasons, respect the farmers, and make food that makes people smile.
When he’s not orchestrating the kitchen or perfecting his charcuterie, Gene can usually be found foraging ideas (and maybe snacks) for the next menu.