A celebrated chef and artist, Denise Appel has spent decades shaping Connecticut’s culinary landscape. As co-founder of ZINC New Haven in 1999, she pioneered a farm-to-table approach that blended local ingredients with global influences. Her passion for food began in the 1980s, leading to a lifelong commitment to sourcing the finest seasonal ingredients, with inspiration drawn from her travels to Italy.

Beyond the kitchen, Appel’s artistry extends to painting, sculpture, and metalsmithing—mediums that, like cooking, require creativity and transformation. Now, as Chef in Residence and Consultant at Villa Mulino, she continues to bring innovation and artistry to every plate.