Danny Lledó - Chef and Owner

Chef Danny Lledó is the owner of Xiquet, where his Mediterranean heritage inspires his award-winning modern Spanish tasting menu. Recipient of a Michelin Star since 2021 and AAA’s Five Diamonds since 2022, In 2023, the DC Restaurant Association awarded Xiquet with the RAMMY of Best Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year. Chef Danny is proud to continue the family tradition of culinary excellence, following in the footsteps of his father, who is an accomplished chef from Denia, Spain. Lledó also honed his restaurant skills working at top Spanish restaurants for José Andrés’ Think Food Group, Taberna del Alabardero and Botin (known for being the world's oldest restaurant).

Currently the most awarded paella chef in America, Lledó has accumulated eleven paella honors, six of which were first place awards including Best Paella at the Paella Wine & Beer Festival in Los Angeles, Best Valencian Paella at PaellaFest in Washington, D.C., and People's Choice Paella at the Paella Wine & Beer Festival in Orange County, CA. Lledó’s wins on the West Coast have garnered more invitations for him to compete internationally. He competed as a finalist at the prestigious Paella Valenciana de Sueca International Competition in 2018, as a finalist of Fideua de Gandia International Competition in 2019, and again at the Paella Valenciana de Sueca International Competition in 2019, where he won an Accèsit award.

 El Taller del Xiquet is Chef Danny Lledó’s latest concept, offering a more casual yet still elevated experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Valencian cuisine. Unlike Xiquet’s Michelin-starred tasting menu, El Taller del Xiquet provides an à la carte approach, allowing diners to explore a variety of dishes rooted in tradition but executed with modern precision. This concept is where the story of Xiquet begins, drawing inspiration from Chef Danny’s heritage and deep expertise in Spanish cuisine, particularly his mastery of paella.

El Taller del Xiquet is a place where guests can enjoy authentic Valencian flavors in a relaxed setting, while still experiencing the exceptional quality and attention to detail that define Chef Danny’s culinary philosophy. It serves as both a tribute to the rustic, time-honored techniques of Spain and a showcase for innovation in Mediterranean gastronomy.

For more information on Chef Danny Lledó visit chefdannylledo.com

Didier Fertilati - Head Consultant

Born in Nice, France, Didier has spent his career leading and elevating the service and experience of renowned restaurants throughout France and Spain. He has contributed his expertise in hospitality to many MICHELIN Star institutions such as La Chèvre d'Or (2 Stars), Le Roussillon (1 Star), La Belle Otero (2 Stars) and Le Moulin de Mougins (3 Stars), Fat Duck (3 Stars) and Quique Dacosta Restaurant (3 Stars). During his time at Quique Dacosta in Dénia, he functioned as the manager, host of the dining room, and all-around master of ceremonies for the restaurant which is counted among “The 50 Best Restaurants of The World.”

In 2018, Didier founded the gastronomic consultancy Fuego-Amigo. A dear friend of Xiquet’s Chef and Owner Danny Lledó, he has been a part of the team since Xiquet’s inception, helping to shape the memorable experience for which the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in 2021.

Didier is passionate about wine, cheese, and cigars, as well as practicing his favorite sports, skiing, soccer, and tennis. A father of two, he loves to travel and enjoy different cultures with his family.