TONY LAVELLE

Chef, Solo Bistro

Bath, Maine

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Tony is a chef who is passionate about great food and great flavors.

After a brief stint at American University in Washington DC, Tony decided to move back home to Seattle and pursue his true passion of cooking.  In 1997 he matriculated at The Art Institute of Seattle.  Under the guidance of then Director Roland Henin, Tony learned the basics as well as immersing himself in the flavors and culinary traditions of the Pacific Northwest.  The area is most well known for its abundant local produce, ample seafood and its assimilation of Asian cooking methods and ingredients.  These flavors and cuisines still influence him today.  After graduating in 1998, Tony worked in several restaurants in the Seattle area, most notably with Chef Eddie Montoya at Ovio Bistro and Chef Scott Simpson at the Lunchbox Laboratory.

In 2006, Tony decided it was time for culinary adventure and moved with his wife, also a cook, to Siem Reap, Cambodia to help a friend open a restaurant there.   Tony spent his time traveling extensively and working with locals to develop a menu that was a mix of Cambodian and Western cuisine.  With the Old Market across the street, it was the ultimate lesson in “farm to table” with a decidedly Asian flair.

Based on his lifelong love affair with the children’s book Blueberries for Sal and his wife’s fond memories of her time at Bates College, Tony and his family moved to Maine in 2009.  He spent the first year living in Portland but quickly decided the Mid Coast region was where he wanted home to be.  When he’s not cooking, Tony is working on his house with his wife Darcey and their children Oliver and Mae or exploring the Maine woods with his dog Beatrice. 

Tony is excited to take on the role of Chef at Solo Bistro and looks forward to this new adventure.  He hopes to be able to add his own tastes and flavors to Solo’s already great reputation for amazing cuisine.

For restaurant information please,

email info@solobistro.com

or call 207/443-3373