Chomparazzi: Ralf Kuettel

Snippets and snapshots from a day with Trestle on Tenth's chef-owner

It’s fitting that Trestle on Tenth’s name alludes to the nearby Highline: Like its namesake, Ralf Kuettel’s cozy Chelsea spot has found new ways to reinvigorate an old standard by putting a hearty Swiss spin on American cuisine.

After time spent at Union Square Cafe and Cena, Kuettel took a breather from the kitchen to act as manager and buyer at Chelsea Wine Vault before opening Trestle. We snuck a peep into the chef’s typical 9-to-5…well, more like 8-to-closing.

Text and photos by Melissa Hom