Introducing Mayacama’s New Executive Chef

We are excited to introduce Mayacama's new Executive Chef, Carl Shelton. Chef Carl brings more than 15 years of experience in fine dining to Mayacama along with a genuine passion for wine country cuisine.

Chef Carl Shelton's love for food was first inspired by watching his grandmother in the kitchen and from visits to his extended family's farm in Missouri. His professional career began in high school, washing dishes at a small restaurant in his hometown of St. Charles, MO. From there, he attended culinary school in Chicago, where he expanded his knowledge working in some of the top restaurants in the city. His most influential experiences came during his time at BOKA under Chef Giuseppe Tentori, where he led the Michelin-starred kitchen as Chef de Cuisine. Chef Carl was recognized as Zagat's 30 Under 30 as well as nominated for a Jean Banchet Chef de Cuisine of the Year award for his work at BOKA.

Inspired by vacations to Wine Country, Carl and his wife moved west to Sonoma County where he first worked as Sous Chef at Spoonbar in Healdsburg. He then spent time in the three Michelin-star kitchen at The Restaurant at Meadowood under Chef Christopher Kostow before taking on the role of Executive Chef at J Vineyards and Winery. While at J he had the opportunity to build relationships with local farmers and producers and utilize the bounty of our area. Learning the symbiotic relationship between food and wine has become an essential element of how he approaches his cuisine.

"I am delighted to join the Mayacama family and I'm looking forward to getting to know all the Members. I can't wait to cook for you all!" says Chef Carl.

His enthusiasm and love of food is infectious and he lights up when he has an opportunity to share it with others, a trait that makes him an excellent fit for Mayacama. When he is not in the kitchen, you can find him working in his home garden, hiking with his wife and kids, and cheering for the St Louis Cardinals. Please join us in welcoming Chef Carl to the Club on Monday, May 3.