Meet the Team in Times Square

Over the years, Chef Warren played a pivotal role in opening and rebranding numerous notable New York restaurants, from a farm-to-table concept in the West Village to an American Bistro where he launched his Heritage Dinner Series. In 2016, Chef Warren took the helm of Five Leaves Cafe in Brooklyn, seamlessly blending European and American cooking styles, resulting in a second opening in East Hollywood. Throughout his leadership roles, Chef Warren learned that it all boils down to respect: "Valuing those around you strengthens the team. Respect for ingredients, recipes, and workspace enhances the final product. Honoring customers' trust fosters loyalty. By earning my team's respect through daily support, they give their all, creating genuine hospitality."

Beginning with The Times Square EDITION and JF Restaurants team in May 2023, Chef Warren was eager to collaborate with Chef John Fraser to conceptualize and curate a menu for all the hotel's unique spaces including The Terrace & Outdoor Gardens and Lobby Bar, that best captures the essence of the space and New York City's culinary heritage. As the Executive Chef at The Times Square EDITION, Chef Warren endeavors to lead a robust team, reinforcing the connection between food and the season. He hosts dining experiences and events of various calibers in the luxurious outlets, creating havens that offer an escape from the hustle of Times Square—a place to bask in the shade of the ivy and savor refinement before stepping back into the lively atmosphere.

In 2011, Sofia embarked on a new chapter in her culinary journey as the Executive Pastry Chef at Veritas, where she created innovative and approachable desserts, presented cleanly and elegantly. Her rising skills in pastry artistry earned her a Chocolatier position at Chef Thomas Keller’s renowned three-Michelin-star restaurant, Per Se, from 2013 to 2015. During her tenure, Sofia mastered the creations of chocolate desserts, leaving a lasting impression on guests. Even today, as a seasoned pastry chef, her fondness for the craft endures, with tempering chocolate remaining one of her most cherished techniques. 

After achieving an impressive culinary portfolio, Sofia became acquainted with Chef John Fraser’s team, where she joined as the Corporate Pastry Chef from 2016 to 2018. During this time, she oversaw the development of pastry programs at all New York City restaurants, including Dovetail, NIX, and The Loyal, earning high praise and recognition for her unique and creative desserts. 

In 2019, Sofia spearheaded the development of the program and oversaw the operations for the re-opening of Vesuvio Bakery. Her visionary approach paid homage to the rich history of this iconic NYC location, infusing it with modern twists on classic Italian pastries, lunches, and breads. 

Sofia returned to the JF Restaurant family in 2023 as the Corporate Pastry Chef. In her current role, she oversees pastry on a national level and aims to refine the pastry program with the unmatched culinary expertise that Chef John Fraser’s acclaimed restaurants have become known for. Sofia is dedicated to building teams and programs that everyone can be proud of while showcasing her love for the pastry arts and exceptional hospitality.  

Sofia's unique personal style is based on approachable flavors, presented in clean yet inventive ways, with a big emphasis on textures and heightening the overall meal and establishment. Her passion for the culinary arts has led her to become a respected pastry chef in the industry, and her contributions have helped elevate the standards of pastry in New York City's dining scene. 

While working at Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters in San Francisco, Amy honed her pairing expertise and progressed in her formal wine training, receiving her Level 3 certification from The Court of Master Sommeliers. In 2014, she was named one of the "Best New Sommeliers" by Wine & Spirits Magazine and Zagat's "30 Under 30" for San Francisco. 

Craving the New York hustle and bustle, Amy accepted the Wine Director position at Chef John Fraser's Michelin-starred restaurant, Dovetail, in 2016. After earning Wine Spectator's "Best Of" award for Dovetail, she grew into the Beverage Director role for JF Restaurants - Chef Fraser's full-service hospitality group. Today in New York, Amy directs the beverage programs for restaurants including IRIS in Manhattan, La Marchande on Wall Street, four food & beverage concepts, including The Terrace & Outdoor Gardens, inside The Times Square EDITION, and Long Island's North Fork Table & Inn. Supporting Chef Fraser's unique culinary vision from the beverage side, Amy leads innovative cocktail creation and development of the group's extensive wine lists and pairings while fostering close collaboration with the teams at each restaurant to curate an excellent beverage program for guests. 

Since joining JF Restaurants, Amy's has earned POPULAR at The Public Hotel, IRIS, The Terrace & Outdoor Gardens, 701West, and North Fork Table & Inn Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence." Additional restaurant accolades include Wine Spectator's (2020) "Best Of" award and Esquire's (2020) "Best Bars in America" at 701West. Amy alone was named Esquire's "Beverage Director of the Year" (2021) and has most recently been nominated for "Sommelier/Beverage Director of the Year '' by Wine Enthusiast (2024).