Meet the Staff
Michael Isolani
Executive Chef
Michael Isolani is an accomplished culinary professional who incorporates his expertise and background to achieve the highest standards in the kitchen. A native of Louisiana, Isolani has been involved in the restaurant industry since 16 years old. While attending college in south France, Isolani realized he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary industry and enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School. Returning home, he earned a place at Columbia Restaurant, one of the oldest and most revered establishments in the state of Florida. Seeking to work with other talented chefs, he accepted an apprenticeship at Norman in The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Then soon after, has been hired as Chef de Partie at the highly acclaimed 5-star restaurant in Miami, where he worked under world-renowned Chef Norman Van Aken.
In 2007, Isolani returned to Louisiana to collaborate with Chef Scott Boswell at Stella! A gourmet Bistro in New Orleans. He quickly rose to the ranks as Chef de Cuisine, then gained local and national attention, including the city's coveted Five Beans. With his skill set, have been chosen to oversee the culinary operations at Stella! While opening the company's then-newest concept, Stanley.
A job offer from James Beard finalist Chef John Harris lured Isolani to Lilette. New Orleans, critically-acclaimed French-Italian restaurant. Impressed by his culinary prowess, Harris tapped the talented young chef to head up to Bouligny Tavern, a sophisticated gastropub on Magazine Street that opened to rave reviews. As the Chef de Cuisine, Isolani's critical acclaim included another stellar rating of Four Beans from Times-Picayune critic Brett Anderson.
Isolani then turned his sights on the old Maximos location. Transforming it into Trinity, then headed for a highly anticipated opening in New Orleans. Among his accomplishments there, he won WYES - Season of Good Taste. Up against the city's top talent and was invited to present a menu at the historic and prestigious James Beard House in NYC.
At Desi Vegas Seafood and Steak, Chef maintains his philosophy of using the freshest local ingredients prepared to the highest standards. Passion drives his team of culinary professionals to create the most memorable experiences for all of our guests.
Alex Jennings
General Manager
Alex is a Metairie native, and a proud Jesuit graduate. Alex began his restaurant career at Delta Marina Restaurant as a dishwasher and busser at 16 years old. Alex comes from a family of River Boat Piolets and worked Port Ship Service in Arabi. Alex then returned to Restaurants starting as a busser, working his way to server, bartender, and then manager at Brisbi's restaurant. Alex spent 5 years there and then was a part of the opening team at Desi Vega's Seafood and Steaks in Metairie and was recently promoted to manager!
Alex is a big sports fan and specifically loves all things Purple & Gold!
Monique Siegrist
Event & Office Manager
Monique Roussel Siegrist began her hospitality career over 20 years ago with the Walt Disney World Company and has managed restaurants in Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami Beach. Monique also owned and operated a restaurant in Santa Rose Beach, FL before returning to her hometown of Metairie to assist long-time friend Desi in opening of his Metairie location. Monique loves utilizing her customer service skills planning special events as the Event Manager. She is also passionate about utilizing her Master's Degree in Human Resources for the benefit of the amazing team at Desi Vega's Seafood & Steaks Restaurant.
Monique loves her family, swimming, boating, and paddle boarding. And don't hold it against her, but she is a Tampa Bay Bucs fan!!!
Savannah Flores
Social Media Manager
Savannah, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, holds a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism from the University of New Orleans. Her journey began at the renowned Commander's Palace, where she honed her craft and passion for culinary excellence. With a keen eye for detail, she transitioned into food photography for Desi Vega's, capturing the essence of hospitality through her lens. In 2019, Savannah attained her Intro Sommelier certification, further enriching her expertise. Today, she orchestrates our social media platforms, curating captivating content and engaging our audience with her unparalleled flair for storytelling and aesthetics
Savannah's hobbies include hanging out with friends and family, fashion, cooking, and trying new cocktails!
Emily Lyons
Assistant General Manager and Beverage Director
Emily is a Metairie native and a Mount Carmel Academy purple butterfly alumna.
She loves collecting artwork as well as books. She has worked as a server and bartender before managing at Three B’s Burger & Wine Bar. During which, she fell in love with the restaurant industry.
She’s currently pursuing a degree from UNO in the Hotel, Restaurant, & Tourism Administration program.
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