Our Staff - Proprietor
Gabriel Viti
Over the past 30 years he is credited with transforming Highwood’s dining scene into that of a major city. Gabriel’s remarkable career in the hospitality industry began in high school where he worked for famed restaurateur Arnie Morton. Recognizing he had found his calling in life, Gabriel graduated from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in 1986. He then spent six years training in Europe under some of the world’s top Chefs at Europe’s finest restaurants. His European education entailed working a La Pyramide, Joel Robuchon and Taillevant in France. He also worked with Freddy Giradet at the Hotel de Ville in Switzerland and Michel Guerard at San Domenico in Italy.
After returning to the United States, Gabriel became one of the Corporate Executive Chefs for Rich Melman’s Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group. He left Melman’s team to take his first Chefs job at Carlos’ in Highwood where he was named one of Food and Wine Magazine’s Best New Chefs of 1991. He opened his first restaurant, Gabriel’s, in Highwood in 1993 which quickly earned the reputation as the place to go for the finest food, service and ambiance on the North Shore for over 19 years. Gabriel opened Miramar, a French bistro with Cuban accents in 2004 and it has been a staple of the bustling Highwood restaurant scene ever since.
In addition to being an accomplished restaurateur, Gabriel is also a well-traveled adventurer. His exploits include completing the Ironman Brazil Triathlon, running a marathon along the Great Wall of China, climbing the Seven Summits which includes Mt Everest, and swimming the English Channel. His latest quest involves sailing around the around the world with his girlfriend Angela as he captains his sailboat Pilar (named in recognition of Ernest Hemingway’s famous vessel).
Throughout his travels Gabriel always strives to give back to the local community. By turning his adventures into fundraisers. Gabriel has helped raised significant funds for Keshet (a Chicago based school for handicapped children), and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County, where he is an active spokesman.
When back in Highwood Gabriel enjoys spending time with his two sons and working with his outstanding team at Miramar. He warmly invites you to stop in, enjoy the restaurant, and perhaps trade some stories.