Reed Palmer Chef de Cuisine at Appellation™ in Healdsburg - CA, USA
Appellation Healdsburg and Chef Charlie Palmer are proud to announce Reed Palmer as Chef de Cuisine, overseeing Folia Bar & Kitchen. Focused on a philosophy of seasonality, sustainability, and innovation, Reed returns to his hometown of Healdsburg to lead the culinary vision for Folia, the hotel's signature restaurant. Appellation Healdsburg is the first new build hotel opening for the culinary-first luxury hotel brand co-founded by Michelin-starred Chef Charlie Palmer and Christopher Hunsberger, a 30-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Reed's culinary foundation was built at The Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, followed by a degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University, then shaped by stints at globally renowned kitchens including Blue Hill at Stone Barns, One White Street, Amass in Copenhagen, as well as the critically acclaimed Ilis in Brooklyn. Each experience deepened his commitment to hyperlocal sourcing, whole-ingredient cooking, and storytelling through food. His cooking is equally about honoring generational legacy as it is about forging his own path. Reed draws great inspiration from time spent in the kitchen with his father, Chef Charlie Palmer, as well as considerable influence from Chef Matt Orlando, founder of Amass and former Chef de Cuisine at Noma.
Reed's broad culinary lens will also help shape the food and beverage program across the property, with a focus on relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. His approach emphasizes ingredient transparency, preservation techniques, and unexpected flavor combinations, bringing a thoughtful and modern perspective to every plate. Inspired by the principles of California cuisine, Reed's dishes are a celebration of Sonoma County's seasonal bounty, prepared simply and intentionally to let ingredients shine.
Reed is part of a collaborative culinary force at Appellation, joining Chief Culinary Director Thomas Bellec and the hotel's Executive Chef, David Intonato. With more than 25 years of experience leading celebrated kitchens across luxury resorts, fine-dining destinations, and forward-thinking restaurant concepts, Intonato's culinary journey spans from Aspen to Costa Rica to New York. A James Beard House Guest Chef and DiRōNA Award recipient, he is recognized for his modern, plant-forward sensibility and his talent for bringing a clear, ingredient-focused vision to the plate. Known as much for his leadership as his craft, Intonato guides his team with creativity, discipline, and a deep respect for seasonality and regional character. At Appellation Healdsburg, he oversees every detail of the kitchen—from menu creation to mentorship—ensuring each dish reflects a balance of innovation, precision, and a true sense of place.
Image credit: Emma K Creative
More appointments at
Appellation™