Bellyard, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, in West Midtown has appointed culinary visionary Christina Wai as the executive chef for Drawbar, the hotel’s ultramodern dining and drinking destination.
As an inventive chef who thrives on exploration of new dishes and libation pairings, Wai brings a wealth of experience in executive and sous chef positions to the hospitality hotspot. At Bellyard, she will spearhead the culinary program, execute menu creation, drive culinary outlet operations, build strong relationships with purveyors and foster a positive culture within her team.
“My vision is to position Drawbar as a colorful, innovative and trendy environment for guests and locals to savor the American-style cuisine and sip on the beautifully hand-crafted cocktails,” said Wai. “Drawbar will electrify diners’ tastebuds, leaving them longing to come back.”
With over a decade of experience, Wai most recently practiced her craft at the Rowdy Tiger Whiskey Bar & Kitchen at Renaissance Hotel Atlanta, where she led the restaurant’s rebrand, developed the culinary talent and created menus. In 2019, she was recognized as the hotel’s manager of the quarter.
Previously, she drove the culinary program at various noteworthy hotels and restaurants in Atlanta, including Crown Plaza Hotel Midtown, Meliá Hotels International, Takorea and Gordon Biersch Brewery.
Established in the food and beverage scene of Atlanta, Wai placed first for “best catering,” as well as best runner-up for “fan favorite” in the Atlanta Chef’s Expo.
