Executive Chef
The Heritage House

Nancy Kinchela's impressive culinary career spans more than 15 years. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens in the buzzing cities of Dubai, London, and Melbourne.  As a leading female chef in the industry, she brings her love of food and passion for European cuisine into any kitchen she enters.

In May of 2006, Kinchela's career brought her to the kitchen of The Heritage House, a seaside property in Mendocino, California. At her first post in the United States, she was appointed Executive Chef of the resort, developing the food concepts for both its signature dining room as well as its entire food and beverage facilities.

Taking advantage of the rich bounty of the region Kinchela has created seasonal menus in the European style in which she trained.  Her eclectic and brilliant, yet unconventional style is reflected in her combinations of local ingredients.

Before relocating to the United States, Kinchela served as Chef de Cuisine at The Emirates Towers in Dubai, a landmark property owned by His Royal Highness Sheik Mohammad, Crown Prince and Ruler of Dubai. The restaurant received many awards and accolades for its fantastic food and was voted as one of the ten best restaurants in the United Arab Emirates.

Prior to that, she worked as Sous Chef at various top London restaurants, including two Michelin-rated restaurants V Chez Nico and Lindsay House.  Earlier in her epicurean journey, Nancy refined her culinary talents at The Savoy in London.

Kinchela shines as one of the top female chefs in the world in an occupation that is traditionally considered a man¡¦s field.  In 2005, she was honored at Switzerland¡¦s St. Moritz, Les Grandes Dames, Gourmet Food Festival which celebrated ten renowned female chefs throughout the world.  Here, she showcased her talent and skill among the best in her field.

Kinchela got her first taste of the kitchen cooking for her parents while growing up in Australia.  With both parents working full time, Kinchela visited Melbourne's bustling markets and was inspired by the local bounty.  After a four year apprenticeship during college, she began to travel throughout Europe where she became even more fascinated with foods around the world and it was then she began to develop her modern European style of cooking.

With an innate grasp of locality and a studied Euro flair, Chef Nancy Kinchela is a talent being realized.  After years of experience in kitchens around the globe, she is surely a rising chef developing innovative dishes with the best of the regions bounty.

The Heritage House
Perched on scenic bluffs overlooking the rugged Pacific coastline, The Heritage House is a charming boutique hotel situated in quaint Mendocino, California.  A member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, the 37-acre estate with breathtaking coastal views features 66 private cottages, signature dining and an intimate spa set among the naturally sculpted landscape.  An extensive restoration is scheduled for completion by late fall of 2006.  www.heritagehouseinn.com

GHM
Established in 1992 by visionary hoteliers Adrian Zecha and Hans Jenni, General Hotel Management Limited (GHM) is a collection of distinctive hotels characterized by individuality and style. Each hotel is inspired by its unique natural setting in exotic locals ranging from Langkawi to Phuket, Bali to Mendocino. GHM is committed to offering an experience in unparalleled luxury; one that is intimate, elegant and exclusive like The Heritage House. www.ghmhotels.com