Rodney Scruggs, Executive Chef
The Fresh Face of the Occidental
Celebrating 100 years of operations, the Occidental Restaurant is proud to announce the return of Executive Chef Rodney Scruggs, who began his career with the restaurant nearly twenty years ago. Rodney was just seventeen years old when he began working at The Occidental as a line cook. He eventually worked his way up to Executive Sous Chef under the tutelage of then Executive Chef Jeffrey Buben. After a seven-year learning curve at the Occidental, renowned Chef Francesco Ricchi (I Ricchi, Cesco, D’Aqua) plucked Chef Rodney as Chef de Cuisine for Cesco Trattoria in Bethesda. Chef Rodney then cooked with Chef Roberto Donna (Galileo, Bebo), after which he teamed up with his mentor Jeffrey Buben to open Bistro Bis on Capitol Hill.
Working alongside his lovely wife, award-winning Pastry Chef Lisa Scruggs (Equinox, Buzz), for five years, Chef Rodney was instrumental in gaining acclaim for the Imperial Hotel on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, during which time it received the area’s highest rating by Zagat. Among Chef Rodney’s vast experiences with Washington VIPS includes the opportunity to cook dinner at an intimate private dinner for President George W. Bush.
Chef Rodney has received grand acclaim from guests and critics alike, including Wine Spectator, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Virginian Pilot, HOTELS Magazine and more. Chef Rodney is well known throughout the restaurant community in the metropolitan Washington area, having practiced his art in many of the city’s exclusive restaurants and throughout community events sponsored by DC Central Kitchen, YouthAIDS and other local charities.
In 2005, Chef Rodney’s return to the Occidental as Executive Chef marked a new era for the landmark dining establishment. With a sparkling new kitchen by Next Step Design, a brand new menu and grand renovations to both front and back of the house, Chef Scruggs welcomes new and old patrons to celebrate 100 Years at the Occidental and indulge in the Fresh Faces of the esteemed restaurant.
Rodney lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, Lisa, and daughter Laura.
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