JASON DENTON, Partner, Lupa, ‘ino, ‘inoteca

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.”

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. And follow up, Simple Italian Snacks. Jason lives in New York City with Jennifer and their two young sons, Jack and Finn.

JOE DENTON, Partner, ‘inoteca

Joe Denton has gained recognition for creating one of New York’s most loved wine bars, ‘inoteca. He is a natural host and brings a genuine understanding of people to the front-of-house, as well as his expertise and passion for Italian wines.

His interest in the food business began in his hometown of Twin Falls, Idaho, where he helped out at his parents’ grocery distribution company. Joe was also encouraged by his uncle, Harry Denton, an accomplished restaurant and nightclub owner in San Francisco. In 1990, Joe began his career in restaurants as a busboy in Stamos Café in Bellevue, Washington. He fondly remembers being thrilled when he received $8 tips.

In 1998, after spending several years snowboarding and building his interest in wine working at Plumpjack Restaurant in Lake Tahoe, Joe moved to New York City to help his brother, Jason, open ‘ino. The West Village wine, panini and bruschetta bar, the first of its kind, was an instant hit. While managing ‘ino, Joe developed a loyal fan base and primed himself for his future at ‘inoteca, which he opened with Jason and chef Eric Kleinman in 2003.

‘inoteca’s success is due to the fun, authentic Italian dining experience Joe helped create, as well as his smart, offbeat, 600-bottle wine list. The list, along with 30 wine-by-the-glass selections and exclusively imported ‘inoteca wines, is regarded as one of the top all-Italian wine programs in the country.

A newlywed, Joe lives with his wife Simone, and newborn son, Oliver in Manhattan.

ERIC KLEINMAN, Co-Chef/Owner, Bar Milano

Little did Eric Kleinman know that his high school job at Foot Locker would lead him to an executive chef position at a highly anticipated Italian restaurant. A New York City native, Kleinman was selling sneakers when he helped the owner of Wildlife, an Upper West Side bar and grill, pick out a pair. Solely based on Kleinman’s engaging demeanor, the restaurateur offered the teenager a job on the spot as a dishwasher and busboy.

After pursuing an engineering degree at Rochester Institute of Technology, Kleinman realized that he missed the restaurant industry. He moved back to New York City, and returned to Wildlife, where he developed a friendship with the chef that sparked his interest in cooking.

In 1994, Kleinman moved to San Francisco where he met his mentor, Gordon Drysdale, while working at the Café Museo at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Kleinman proceeded to hone basic cooking techniques working under Gordon for the next five years at his Bay area restaurants. He eventually took an opening sous chef position at Gordon’s House of Fine Eats.

Returning to New York City in 1999, Kleinman got in touch with Jason Denton, who he met through friends of Denton’s uncle, San Francisco restaurateur Harry Denton. Jason Denton offered Kleinman a sous chef position at Lupa Osteria shortly after it opened. After two years at Lupa, Kleinman partnered with Jason Denton and his brother Joe Denton in 2003 to open ‘inoteca on the Lower East Side. The restaurant was an instant success and continues to be popular five years later. At ‘inoteca, Kleinman prepares classic wine bar cuisine with a menu of simple and inspired Italian dishes.