Master Chef José Gutierrez started his career at the Professional Culinary School in Manosque, France. After the traditional three-year training period, Gutierrez spent two years at the Hotel de France in the Jura under the direction of Chef Roger Petit. Chef Gutierrez then worked for one year with Chef Francis Trocelier and another year in la Reserve de Beaulieu on the French Riviera.

Before coming to the United States, Chef Gutierrez trained with the celebrated Chef Paul Bocuse, creator of Nouvelle Cuisine. Gutierrez arrived in the United States and assumed the position of Chef de Cuisine at the age of 22 at the Restaurant de France for the Meridien Hotel. Chef Gutierrez spent over two years in Houston before joining The Peabody Hotel as Chef de Cuisine of Chez Philippe in 1983.

After 22+ years at Chez Philippe, Chef José decided to branch out on his own, and opened Encore Restaurant and Bar. His unique vision of a contemporary French-styled bistro has delighted both critics and patrons since its opening in late 2005.

Chef José's creativity highlights his French heritage with a Southern traditional taste, as he was the first to spread the gospel of a nouvelle Southern Cuisine.

Born in Provence, France to his mother, a native Hidalgo of Spain, he became an American citizen on May 1, 2001. Chef José is first and foremost a true Southerner.

HONORS

• Food & Wine Magazine 1990 - "America's Best New Chef Award"
• Award of Merit and Key to the City of Memphis, TN
• Memphis Magazine's Annual Award "Best Restaurant"
• DiRona Award - 1992-Present
• Mobile Four Star Award - 14 Consecutive Years
• Named Master Chef 1996 - Maitre Cuisinier de France
• Restaurant & Institution Magazine Ivy Award Winner
• Chef of the Century by The American Academy of Hospitality and Sciences
• Sullivan College's National Center for Hospitality Studies, Great American Chef Award