Chef - Fête
Leo Novak’s culinary career started in 1994 when he ran a small coffee shop in Oklahoma City called the Red Cup. He produced baked goods as well as gourmet lunches for three years before moving on to a three year apprenticeship program under Master Chef Kurt Fleishfresser at The Coach House, specializing in French cuisine.
He graduated from the program and continued on to be the Executive Chef at The Deep Fork Grill. He has had the opportunity to cook in some of the highest regarded restaurants in Singapore, San Francisco, and Chicago.
One of his most proud accomplishments has been opening the 80,000 square ft. Whole Foods flagship store in Austin, Texas where he worked as Head Baker for three years creating artisan breads for the entire southwest region.
Leo has been employed by CBMR for the last year working at Atmosphere Restaurant and currently head chef at Rustica Restaurant on the mountain.
Leo and his wife Ashley moved to Crested Butte last year and started a catering company called Fête events. Ashley’s background as an event planner has involved 10 years in the industry in Austin, Texas collaborating with top chefs in the area to create unique events for clients such as Governor Rick Perry and Martha Stewart as well as special dietary need clients like John Mackey, Whole Foods owner and visionary.
About Fête events:
Fête specializes in upscale catering and full event coordination for weddings, rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, bridal luncheons, birthdays, private dinners, or any occasion that requires innovative cuisine and acute attention to detail.
The planning processs is a collaborative effort and enables our clients to discuss their culinary likes and dislikes, personal style, and tastes in order to construct a totally customized event and menu.
Fête provides a personalized, fresh approach to catered events. We take the time to inspire you with menu options and creative ideas that will enable your guests to experience a unique, distinctive event unlike any other.