News Summary
Tallahassee’s culinary scene welcomes 23-year-old Ashley Mayo as the new executive chef at Savour, a renowned fine dining restaurant. Having developed her skills over four years at Savour, Mayo steps into her leadership role with a commitment to innovative cuisine and regional ingredients. This promotion follows the former chef’s decision to focus on family, and Mayo’s journey from the family kitchen to a prestigious position illustrates her dedication to the culinary arts. With a dynamic menu on the horizon, patrons can anticipate a vibrant dining experience.
Tallahassee Welcomes a Young Culinary Star in a New Role
In the thriving culinary scene of downtown Tallahassee, excitement is buzzing with the announcement that 23-year-old Ashley Mayo has been appointed the new executive chef at Savour, a highly regarded fine dining restaurant. This young talent’s journey from a line cook to leading the kitchen is a testament to her passion and commitment to the culinary arts.
A Dream Come True
For Ashley Mayo, this new role is more than just a promotion; it’s a remarkable achievement she didn’t foresee at such an early age. Having spent the past four years honing her skills within the kitchen of Savour, she is now stepping into a leadership position that many only dream of. The restaurant, owned by the acclaimed Drew McLeod, has a reputation for excellence, winning accolades such as the six-time OpenTable “Diners’ Choice” award.
From Family Kitchen to Fine Dining
Born and raised in Tallahassee, Mayo’s journey into the culinary world started in her family’s kitchen, where she was heavily influenced by her stepmother’s cooking. Though she briefly attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York, life took her back home during the pandemic shutdown in 2020. Since then, she’s gained experience at several local restaurants, including The Edison, Cypress Restaurant, Bella Bella, Hangar 38, and Social Catering, all while mastering the art of food preparation.
A Learning Experience
Mayo’s ascent to executive chef comes after the decision of former executive chef Brian Knepper to step down and focus on family. Under Knepper’s guidance, Mayo refined her culinary skills and learned the intricacies of kitchen management. McLeod believes in nurturing talent, stating that his legacy lies in the success of those he works with, and it’s clear he sees immense potential in Mayo.
Leadership in the Kitchen
As she steps into her new role, Mayo recognizes that being an executive chef is about much more than just cooking; it encompasses numerous operational responsibilities such as management, ordering, and maintaining the kitchen environment. The principles of hard work, respect, integrity, dependability, and positivity are values she lives by, essential traits she brings to her leadership style.
Innovative Culinary Creations
One of the exciting features at Savour is its dynamic menu. With a third of it changing biannually, the focus remains on regionally sourced ingredients that are prepared creatively. It’s all about making dining an artistic experience. Mayo describes her culinary work as an art form, considering the food served to be the true masterpiece — a sentiment reflected in the empty picture frames hanging in the restaurant, which symbolize the canvas awaiting her culinary creations.
A Bright Future Ahead
Mayo’s journey has not only included extensive training but also highlights, such as being a finalist in the Chopped Junior competition back in 2017. As she embarks on this new chapter, she is enthusiastic about the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. The collaboration between her and McLeod over the past several months has prepared her well for this moment, and her passion for culinary arts will undoubtedly shine through in her new role.
As Tallahassee welcomes this young culinary wonder, patrons of Savour can look forward to a vibrant menu and an exciting dining experience that celebrates the beauty of food. With talent like Ashley Mayo leading the way, the future of Tallahassee’s dining scene certainly appears bright.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Culinary Spot Opens in Tallahassee
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Savour Names New Executive Chef
- Wikipedia: Food
- Tallahassee.com: Keeping New Casual Restaurant in the Family
- Google Search: Culinary Arts
- Tallahassee.com: Chef Aaron Sanchez at Culinary Event
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Tallahassee.com: Eateries Cook Up Little Romance
- Google News: Tallahassee Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
