Spotlight on Chef Dave Heide of Liliana’s

Chef Dave Heide, owner and executive chef at Liliana’s Restaurant in Fitchburgh is please to be participating in the 2010 American Liver Foundation’s Flavors of Madison event, taking place on February 28 at the Madison Club.

Chef Heide got his start at a very young age, cooking for Pizza Hut.  His passion for culinary arts lead him to attend  Le Cordon Bleu, a world renowned school of gastronomy.  After attending Le Cordon Bleu, he headed to California.  But he soon made his way back home to Wisconsin, and after working in a variety of establishments in the Madison area, he opened Liliana’s, just a stone’s throw from where he grew up.

Liliana’s, named after his oldest child, opened 2 1/2 years ago – coincidentally on his daughter Liliana’s first birthday.

Liliana’s focuses on New Orleans cuisine.  “One of the many reasons that I chose to focus on New Orleans food is because it is a melting pot of food and culture.  You can literally do any type of cuisine that you want and still be true to New Orleans cuisine,” said Heide.  “If you are a chef I think that it is important to let your passion express itself.”

Chef Heide stresses that while focusing on New Orleans cuisine, he places the utmost importance on using local, seasonal ingredients.  He does not use “big box’ purveyors.  “We believe in spending our money locally.” said Heide, pointing out that they buy from seven local farms during the winter, and even more than that in the summer months.

Chef Heide believes in giving back to the community, and counts the American Liver Foundation as a worthy cause.  Liliana’s has a track record of participation in community events, including the upcoming Mad City Mardis Gras event, benefiting Madison’s own Henry Vilas Zoo.

Photography by SucculentPhotography.com

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