Chef Bradford Thompson

Chef de Cuisine

at The Phoenician

Scottsdale, Arizona

Recently named "Best Chef: Southwest" by James Beard Foundation, and one of the "Top 10 Best New Chefs in America" by Food & Wine magazine, Bradford Thompson is the Chef de Cuisine for Mary Elaine's. Long regarded as Arizona's premier fine-dining restaurant, Mary Elaine's has scored some of the most coveted industry awards such as the prestigious Five-Diamond designation by the American Automobile Association, The Mobile 5-star award, and the esteemed Grand Award from Wine Spectator magazine – one of only a handful of restaurants in the country to have garnered such impressive honors. As chef de cuisine, Thompson is responsible for all culinary operations and oversees a staff of 60 employees.

Thompson grew up in New England. Upon completion of his studies at the University of Rochester, he received his first professional kitchen experience at "Max on Main," a popular restaurant in Hartford, Connecticut. Thompson then moved west to work with James Beard winner Vincent Guerithault at Vincent's on Camelback in Phoenix, Arizona. Under Vincent he learned techniques of classic French cuisine with a southwestern twist.

After his stint with Guerithault, Thompson continued learning his trade under the expert tutelage of Alessandro Stratta, another James Beard winner and former chef de cuisine of Mary Elaine's.

He continued his education in world-class cuisine and traveled back to the east to work with the legendary Daniel Boulud in New York. For the next five years, Thompson helped Boulud plan and develop a classic French menu, collaborated on two cookbooks and helped open two restaurants including his latest venture, DB Bistro Moderne. While in charge of private dining for New York's famed Restaurant DANIEL.

As one of the country's leading young chefs, Thompson brings his culinary pedigree and his passion for French cooking to Mary Elaine's where he continues to strive for excellence in the culinary arts. Thompson's cuisine has been widely featured in outlets ranging from NBC's TODAY Show to the Television Food Network. His restaurant was recently named one of "America's 50 Best Hotel Restaurants" by Food & Wine magazine.