Meet the Chef

Chris Cantabene joined the Raintree Restaurant in March 1998 as general manger. He is now the current Chef/Owner along with his wife Lorna MacDonald. Over the past 14 years Chris has been a part of many of the changes in the 30 year old family run business. The business has a rich history in national, state and local accolades, including The Wine Spectator award for more than 25 years.

Born in South Bend Indiana, Chris moved to upstate New York and started working as a dishwasher at age 15 in an upscale Mediterranean restaurant. While at his first restaurant Chris advanced to the position of Chef by the age 20. He continued working in restaurants attending Syracuse University. After moving to St Augustine in 1983 Chris started working at Cap’s on Vilano Beach and in 1990 he partnered in the purchase of Cap’s where he was the Chef/Owner until 1996.

Holding no formal culinary degrees, Chris is quite happy to have had the opportunities hire and work along with many classically trained Chefs from Europe, Asia and the Americas. Although food and wine are his passion, Chris also holds a General Contractors license which he said was a requirement when maintaining the Raintree, a 140 year old Victorian Building.