Fabrice Hardel
Executive Chef of Le Fountainebleau at the Westgate

Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel joined The Westgate culinary team in August 2001 and quickly distinguished himself as a leader and an innovator.

Chef Fabrice’s cooking philosophy is to create cuisine that guests can relate to and enjoy. He actively researches to find the freshest and finest ingredients available and designs recipes to bring out the best flavor.  Keeping in mind taste, texture, scent and visual appeal, he combines new elements and styles.

Originally from Normandy, France, Chef Fabrice brings more than 15 years experience spanning two continents to The Westgate.  His career began in France, where he served as a Commis Chef at several prestigious restaurants including La Chaîne d’ Or Hotel, rated with one Michelin star and 15 points by Gault Millau.

As Chef Fabrice’s career accelerated, he honed his culinary skills as a Chef de Partie at the Hotel International in Luxembourg, Le Lion d’ Or Hotel in France, Brockencote Hall Hotel (voted second most luxurious hotel in England by Time magazine), Steinheuers (rated with two Michelin stars) in Germany, and St. Louis Club in St. Louis, Missouri a private and exclusive fine dining club.

Chef Fabrice has served as a guest chef to the President of Equador, and has worked as the Sous Chef for The Grill dining room in St. Louis’ Ritz Carlton Hotel. In addition to his supervisory responsibilities, Chef Fabrice created the seasonal menus.

A graduate of the world-renowned French Culinary Institute in Caen, France, Chef Fabrice came to the United States for the opportunity to work for Executive Chef Pierre Chambrin at the St. Louis Club. Chambrin, a French Master Chef, served as Executive Chef at the White House during the Bush and Clinton administrations.

Le Fontainebleau fine-dining restaurant is listed among the Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America by the Zagat Guide and voted Best Champagne Sunday Brunch by Ranch and Coast Magazine. Le Fontainebleau’s wine list is voted best wine list in San Diego by Americas Online City Guide. Other honors include the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, the Golden Sceptre Award and Herb Baus/Don Smith Award from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and Best Hotel Dining, best French Restaurant and Best Sunday Brunch from San Diego magazine.

Chef Fabrice and The Westgate culinary team have also showcased their talents at the prestigious James Beard House in New York.

Chef Hardel's Celebrity Dine Around >>
View Event Schedule >>