ION INDIE MAGAZINE August 2014, Volume 3 | Page 70

"GATOR" THOMPSON is all things food at the Fenix. Chef Gator has built a cult following in the Bay Area, learning under renowned Chef PAUL BERTOLLI at OLIVETO, and then making his own name as chef-owner at ALCATRACES in Noe Valley, where he crafted a California-Cajun menu and festive Mardi Gras atmosphere infused with his Southern charm. After a series of stops south of the city—Gator’s NEO SOUL CAFÉ, DOLLIE MARIE’S, GATOR’S BACK PORCH in San Mateo, BAYONNE in San Jose and then THE GRILL in San Mateo--Gator began slinging the best "seasonal BBQ” in town. Most recently, he moved into fine dining at CAPRINO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT in Belmont, establishing his “Neo Soul” (Southern food with a healthy Californian twist). If you have not met Chef Gator, he is approachable and available at “Chef’s Table” at the Fenix. Reserve a seat at the kitchen counter and indulge in a multi-coursed meal paired with wine hosted by the Chef. Having found a good venue staffed with great professionals, excellent food and drinks and stellar entertainment, t