Our Team
Mark Shoemaker
Executive Chef
Chef Mark Shoemaker brings a wide-ranging and refined culinary background to Violetto at Alila Napa Valley, blending a passion for craftsmanship with a deep knowledge of butchery, vegetable cookery, and sustainable farming. His culinary philosophy is rooted in authenticity, seasonality, and a genuine respect for the land and its bounty. Shoemaker’s career reflects a dedication to excellence and a commitment to continuous learning. He honed his skills in some of the country’s most respected kitchens, including the Michelin-starred Acadia and Elske in Chicago, and the acclaimed Willows Inn in Washington State. His time at Acadia, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its Maine-inspired cuisine, refined his approach to precision, creativity, and the art of seasonal cooking. Shoemaker went on to serve as Executive Chef at the Pendry Hotel in Chicago, where he led culinary operations with a focus on innovation, quality, and hospitality. Beyond the restaurant kitchen, Shoemaker immersed himself in the rhythms of farm-to-table life, spending two years at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery mastering the craft of goat’s milk cheesemaking. This experience deepened his connection to the land and informed his holistic, ingredient-driven approach to modern cuisine. A first visit to California’s wine country left a lasting impression, and Shoemaker now calls rural Napa Valley home, living among farmland and a nearby sheep farm — a lifestyle that reflects the authenticity and connection he infuses into his cooking.
Zachary Dortenzio
General Manager I Director of Food & Beverage
Zachary Dortenzio's passion for food and wine stems from his New England roots and Italian heritage, leading him to train at the Culinary Institute of America and immerse himself in the region's wine culture under the guidance of CIA Master Sommeliers. His journey took him to prestigious establishments such as the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii, where he curated exquisite dining and wine programs, and Nobu at Four Seasons Lāna'i, helping the team achieve a Forbes Five-Star ranking. Throughout his career, Dortenzio delivers elevated dining experiences that unite communities through his culinary artistry.
