Hawks Restaurant Chef Profile

About me

Hawks is the collaborative vision from husband-and-wife team Molly Hawks and Michael Fagnoni, who have built a restaurant that reflects the soul of the California countryside, but with an elegant sense of style that appeals to a sophisticated clientele.

“The concept behind Hawks is to offer modern American cuisine using the freshest, local ingredients and immense flavor,” Hawks says. “The restaurant itself mixes rustic elements with a sleek sophistication, bringing together Old World flavors with New World presentation.”

Growing up in a food-focused household where mealtime brought her large family close together, the kitchen captivated Hawks from a young age. While she and her sister concocted their own stews from ingredients in the backyard, Hawks’ aunt taught her to perfect the basics.

Hawks’ Executive Chef and owner Michael Fagnoni’s modern take on American cuisine reflects the localvore, slow food movements of his culinary upbringing. Fagnoni’s education began in his grandmother’s kitchen where he helped her craft her Northern Italian feasts, laying the groundwork for the beginning of an impressive culinary career.