Legend has it Dena Marino, executive chef and partner of D19, has been cooking since she was 3 years old. Growing up in an Italian-American family in New Jersey, Marino's childhood consisted of lots of trips to the local butcher shop and bakery. At 17 years old, she entered the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Once she was done, she put her training to use at the Ceasars Palace Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. After her stint in the East, she headed West to Tra Vigne, a renowned Napa Valley restaurant. There, Marino worked her way from pizza cook to sous chef, along the way discovering that cooking was absolutely what she loved to do. While at Tra Vigne, Marino also found something else she loved--a man named Marcus Wade who would later become her husband. The couple eventually made their way to Aspen, where Marino became the beloved chef at Ajax Tavern. After years of having an extremely devoted following at Ajax, Marino decided to enter into a venture in which she could be a partner. The result was D19. The restaurant opened in 2005 and today continues to be one of Aspen's hottest eateries. Open for lunch and dinner, D19 has literally been packed since it opened its doors because if Marino is cooking, Aspenites will be there.
What is Plum 98? It¹s a collection of 98 individuals (a nice, round number) who have etched a mark in the Aspen community with positive energy and vision. Be it in the realm of art, recreation or politics, we at Plum want to recognize these local stars for their encouragement and inspiration. To meet more Plum 98ers, click HERE.
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