Modena

Modena presents Italian-inspired cuisine that takes heavy cues from seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients. Modena balances classic cuisine with a modern approach, all enhanced by a passionate and creative touch.<br><br>John Melfi is the executive chef of Modena. Chef Melfi has worked under some of Washington's top toques including Robert Wiedmaier, James Beard award-winning Fabio Trabocchi, and Jeff Buben of Vidalia. During his 11-year tenure in the nation's capital, he has served for three years as the executive chef of Ashok Bajaj's power dining oasis, The Oval Room, which earned twice three stars from The Washington Post, and as the opening executive chef of Fiola Mare, which also garnered three stars from The Washington Post and Washingtonian magazine under his leadership. Melfi also worked in prominent kitchens such as Vidalia and Blue Duck Tavern, which captured the "Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year" award in 2013 from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. He is graduate of the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute in February 2002, earning top honors as class salutatorian.