Rob Citto is our Executive Chef. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Originally from Staten Island, NY, he has traveled the world following his passion of food, working in Alaska, Costa Rica and Panama. When not in the kitchen, you might find Rob rock climbing, skiing and most importantly, fly fishing, even in the winter. His passion for the culinary arts is contagious and once you get him going on that subject, it’s hard to get him to stop!

Matt Campbell returns this winter as our Sous Chef. He grew up in the country of West Tennessee, spending summers with his grandparents where he fell in love with food at a young age watching them harvest and cook fresh vegetables from the garden. Matt has called Colorado his home for the past 10 years and spends his summers fishing and hiking and winters on his snowboard, when not in the kitchen.

Blake Bond recently graduated from the Texas Culinary Institute in Austin, Texas. He’s spent time as a sauté cook for an exclusive steakhouse outside of Houston. When he’s not cooking, Blake enjoys a variety of sports and even played college baseball. He’ll be mixing it up in the kitchen with Chef Citto and the crew this winter. If you gain weight while you’re at VVR—he’s partly to blame.

Patrick Laird is currently a student at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and is completing his externship with us here at Vista Verde. He enjoys all types of cuisine and has been working in the culinary industry since high school and has already won various awards. Patrick originates from Wellington, Ohio and we look forward to his culinary enthusiasm in the kitchen!

Thomas Polansky is also a student at the Culinary institute of America and fellow classmate with Patrick. He looks forward to completing his externship here at VVR under the guidance of the remarkably talented (and good-looking) Robert Citto! Tom hails from Bethlehem, Connecticut and in addition to having a passion for food—he’s a big sports enthusiast. If you like the UCONN Huskies, New England Patriots or Atlanta Braves—you may have something in common with Tom. And if you don’t—your appetite is still going to be grateful that Tom is with us!

Bekah Roll, originally from Bloomington, IN calls the Florida Keys home. She has found a love for Colorado and guest ranches. Bekah worked at another ranch for three years before joining us last winter. After spending time overseeing both the housekeeping department and the dining room this past summer, Bekah is looking forward to just focusing on the dining room this winter. Guest ranching runs in her family- her father worked at one in 1968 and her siblings have worked at ranches too. If you get a chance, ask Bekah about her leather work, not the most common hobby!

Kelsey Detzner not only grew up in Lafayette, Indiana, but then she continued to stay and attend Purdue University. Kelsey graduated in May 2006 as a creative writing major. She will be joining Bekah’s team of top-notch servers in the VVR dining room. Kelsey really enjoys baking and hopes to pick up a few ideas from the Vista Verde Chef team!

Charissa Dyk is our west coast California girl who will be brightening the VVR dining room with her contagious smile. She grew up in Orange County, California and completed her undergraduate at Biola University in Organizational Leadership. Charissa is currently attending Regis University and getting her second bachelor’s in Nursing. She loves water skiing and wake boarding, plus she recently ran in a marathon. Despite being from southern California, Charissa is ready to experience the Rocky Mountain champagne powder!