JASON DENTON, Partner, Lupa, ‘ino, ‘inoteca, Bar Milano
After leaving his home of Twin Falls, Idaho at 18, Jason Denton set out for California to learn the restaurant business from his uncle, nightlife impresario Harry Denton of Harry Denton's in San Francisco. Under the tutelage of his uncle, Jason absorbed both the business and entertainment facets of being a restaurateur. He furthered his culinary education by working for two years at the renowned wine shop, California Wine Merchants.

After touring Europe for seven months, Jason moved to New York City and worked in the kitchen of Casanis and as a server/manager at Po, where he met his future partner, Mario Batali.

In November 1998, Jason and his wife, Jennifer, opened ‘ino, which was inspired by a panini bar they visited in Monterossa, Italy. ‘ino has earned a wide following for its Italian-style sandwiches and bruschette, eclectic wine selection and warm atmosphere. It was named "Best Panini Bar" in New York Magazine's 2000 “Best of New York” issue, and was listed as one of “The 100 Best Places to Eat in the City” (Time Out New York Eating and Drinking Guide, 2000). In October 1999, Jason opened Lupa Osteria Romana in partnership with Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich (both of Esca and Babbo) and executive chef Mark Ladner. Lupa, a trattoria specializing in both new and classic interpretations of the foods of Rome, was an immediate hit. It was named “Best New Non-Bistro” in New York Magazine's 2000 “Best of New York” Issue.

Building on the success of ‘ino, Jason and his brother Joe Denton opened ‘inoteca with chef Eric Kleinman in July 2003. ‘inoteca’s menu focuses on classic Italian wine bar fare, and a wine list representing every region of Italy. The restaurant, a pioneer of the now booming Lower East Side restaurant scene, has received accolades such as “Best Small Plates Restaurant” and “Best Wine Bar,” from Time Out magazine, and was included in Gourmet’s 2003 round-up of “America’s Best Restaurants.”

This April, Jason will open Bar Milano with Joe and Eric, as well as chef Steve Connaughton. The restaurant is inspired by their passion for Northern Italian cuisine and wine, as well as their desire to open a restaurant that offers both elevated service and a relaxed vibe. Food and Wine’s November 2004 issue featured “Jason Denton, Italian-Food Emissary” as part of its list of the “35 most fearsome talents in wine and food, all 35 years old or under.” Jason co-wrote the ‘ino cookbook, Simple Italian Sandwiches. It was published by Harper Collins in August of 2006. The next book in the series, Simple Italian Snacks, is due out in fall 2008.

Jason lives in New York City with Jennifer and their two young sons, Jack and Finn.