Chef Dominique Shelton

Dominique Shelton, a Florida native, discovered his culinary calling amidst family gatherings, where his mother’s gourmet creations ignited a fascination with diverse ingredients. As the eldest of six siblings and an identical twin, weekends were dedicated to exploring local farmers’ markets, creating a tapestry of cherished childhood memories.

Venturing into young adulthood, Dominique joined forces with his General Contractor father, finding joy in the gratifying challenges of hands-on creation. College marked the onset of his restaurant journey, thriving in the fast-food industry’s dynamic pace while maintaining cooking jobs through his academic pursuits. In each kitchen tenure, his competitive spirit propelled him into leadership positions.

The Los Angeles culinary scene beckoned, and Dominique embraced opportunities at Cleo, AKA Bistro, and Bistro 45, absorbing French and American techniques under the guidance of skilled chefs. The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse at the Langham Huntington became the next chapter, where he eventually assumed the role of CDC.

In the face of the 2020 pandemic, Dominique devoted his free time to volunteering at local food banks, showcasing a deep commitment to community service. Post-recall to Langham, he collaborated as the Banquet Chef alongside Executive Chef Denis Depoitre.

Seeking new horizons with his wife and young son, Dominique chose the Bay Area to immerse himself in wine country and explore the region’s gastronomy. Settling in, he carefully selected Va de Vi, drawn by its embrace of community and innovation.  Dominique joined our team here at Va de Vi in 2022 and looks forward to serving you soon!

Photo Credit:  Jamie Soja 2023