Meet Nona Social’s Executive Chef, Kristine Gagnier
Nona Social is known for a few
things… their casual, upscale
atmosphere, the craft drinks, and
the incredible service. But one of the
most diverse aspects of the
restaurant is the food! With items
like Chorizo Croquettes, Cali Fish
Tacos, and Brisket Griddled Cheese,
this chef-driven menu is unique and
incredibly delicious. Not to mention,
all the items are made from scratch right in the kitchen!
Executive Chef, Kristine Gagnier, attended Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando for 2 years, and graduated with a diploma in Culinary Arts. She loved culinary school and says that one of her favorite parts of being there was listening to Chef Andre talk about the blood sausages from France.
Chef Kristine has always had a passion for food and drink. She spent three years in restaurants like Luma on Park and Dovecote creating beautiful dishes and crafting cocktails. She loves cooking and bartending both, but eventually I realized that she wanted to be in the kitchen more than anything.
Chef says there are two ways that she likes to cook… she likes to either slow cook in the oven or smoke something on the patio so she can sit back and enjoy a few beers with her company. Or, she likes to cook outside over an open flame, which allows her to savor being outside. She still has so much more to learn about different dishes and is excited to explore more types of cooking.
It’s safe to say that Kristine is passionate about being a chef. The importance of creating exquisite meals for those who come to Nona Social to enjoy surely reflects. She says, “I have so many great memories tied to food. When I think back to different experiences at restaurants and bars, I remember how the food made me feel. I remember the atmosphere and the people I was with. For me, food is very nostalgic. I want people to be happy when they eat my food. I think this menu is fun, it’s not intimidating, and it sets the stage for people to have a great time and be social while having good food.”
When speaking on Lake Nona and the tremendous growth to the area, Kristines ays she is excited to be able to provide a new and exciting menu to the community for everyone to enjoy. She is taking the incredible diversity of the area and putting the community values right back into her food. While the menu is new to her and to the locals, she is excited to be able to make food for people to create traditions around. “I think its important for people to be grounded, wherever they may be. This menu is new for me as it will be for everyone in Lake Nona. I think if people enjoy the food and keep coming back, it will be a place where they can feel right at home and start growing some roots.”
Fun Fact about Chef!
1) Her favorite Chef is Sean Brock
2) Her favorite junk food is spicy pork rinds and a fountain diet coke. But never one
without the other
3) Her favorite dish is Heinz beans on toast. She likes to smear the bread with butter
and get a solid crust on each side then top it with warm beans and a sunny side up
egg. Its so comforting. This dish will cure whatever ails you.
4) She did her culinary externship at Luma on Park
5) If she could only have one more meal, she would ask for the burger at McCrady’s
Tavern in Charleston, SC and a pitcher of beer.
