John DeLucie is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of The Lion, Gotham’s West Village eatery with a serious following. The menu’s consistent with the Chef himself, classic American with undeniable Italian influences. You might know Chef DeLucie’s name from The Waverly Inn (infamous for its delectable truffle mac and cheese) and The Royal, located in The Raleigh Hotel in Miami. With all of his world traveling (France, Italy and Spain), Chef DeLucie came back to the concrete jungle he calls home—and lucky for us!

How did you begin your career in the culinary field?

While working (quite miserably) as a corporate recruiter some 20 years ago, I decided to take a master chef class at The New School in NYC.

What restaurants did you work at prior to The Lion?

I opened the Waverly Inn in 2006. Prior to that I was the chef at La Bottega, a trattoria at the Maritime Hotel in NYC.

What appetizer, entrée and dessert is The Lion restaurant most well known for?

The menu is seasonal, so right now we have a roasted cauliflower appetizer, roasted porchetta and a very simple but delicious chocolate bread pudding for dessert.

When you’re not cooking up creations at your own restaurant, where can we find you dining?

I like all the ethnic places NYC has to offer; Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and a great corned beef on rye.

What’s your favorite drink?

I’m not a big drinker but when I indulge it’s a Gin gimlet up, extra cold.

What’s your favorite pastime?

Music. I spend whatever free time I have composing, listening to, going out and enjoying music. Jazz at Blue Note Jazz Club, The Roots at the High Line Ballroom, John Legend at The Garden, those have been some of my favorites in the last year or so. I very much also enjoy playing the guitar, it’s a passion of mine.

The Lion is located on 62 West 9th Street

New York, NY 10011-8907

(212) 353-8400