Joann Makovitzky

At the age of sixteen, Joann was given the extraordinary opportunity to intern in the kitchen of one of the finest restaurants in the world, La Caravelle. This experience confirmed that she wanted to become a chef and one day own her own restaurant. Focused and driven, after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, she returned to La Caravelle as its first female cook. Without realizing it, she was part of a culinary revolution, honing her cooking skills and discussing with her co-workers how they would help shape the industry in the following years. Along her culinary journey, she had the honor and pleasure of working with many great cooks, chefs, sommeliers, managers and culinary innovators. When she landed a job with the founders of Dean & Deluca, she broadened her knowledge in another part of this industry. Once again, she found herself working with culinary leaders who meticulously guided her through the ins and outs of the gourmet food retail business. She walked away three years later with a lot more than she ever expected, having gained extensive knowledge in purchasing, marketing, coffee roasting and procurement, product development, branding and customer service. Rounding out her experience, Joann worked in a handful of New York City restaurants as manager and service director. These roles were no doubt the most challenging of all her positions but prepared her well for the roles she would take on in her own establishments years later. Creating and opening Tocqueville Restaurant in 2000 was a dream come true and a labor of love. The days were challenging, but the rewards were great. Tocqueville received consistent praise from critics, constantly topping Zagat’s list of the best restaurants, restaurant décor, American food and restaurant service for New York City. It received two stars from the New York Times in 2000, which cited it as “an elegant haven for elegant food.” Seven years later, her second restaurant, 15 East, was born. The sushi bar and restaurant were awarded two stars from the New York Times and a Michelin star. 15 East remains one of New York’s most well-respected and talked-about Japanese restaurants. In 2014, Joann worked closely with the Hyatt hotel organization to design, develop and execute all the food and beverages outlets in the Hyatt Union Square. Five concepts were developed and implemented, including a custom brand of coffee. In 2018, Joann left New York for the country life with her teenaged daughter and for yet another restaurant. Joann is the current owner and managing partner of Community table (Ct) restaurant. Located in Litchfield County, Connecticut, close to Washington Depot and New Preston, Community table aims to express its passion for the region through food, wine and hospitality. Commonly recognized for its acclaimed food and cocktails, Ct has developed into a local fixture as a place to meet, celebrate with friends or dine solo in its chic, relaxed environment. Her career thus far has taken Joann on a wonderful culinary journey enhanced by all of the wonderful people she has met along the way.