Photo courtesy of Birdwood Mansion
Executive Chef Emanuel “Ema” Zarlenga is taking over culinary program at Birdwood Mansion in Charlottesville.
Birdwood Mansion, the storied 19th-century estate that recently debuted as a luxury boutique seven-room hotel, restaurant and events destination, is pleased to announce the appointment of Executive Chef Emanuel “Ema” Zarlenga. In his new role, Chef Zarlenga oversees all culinary operations of the Mansion, particularly spearheading the culinary program in The Dining Room at Birdwood Mansion, the 42-seat signature restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch and afternoon tea.
The estate is about a 2.5-hour drive from Alexandria.
“Chef Ema joins us with an international pedigree and a culinary philosophy that beautifully aligns with our vision — one rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, regional storytelling, and elevated hospitality,” says Gigi Vega, Managing Director of Birdwood Mansion. “With more than two decades of experience across Michelin-starred kitchens and world-renowned luxury destinations, he brings both refined technical mastery and a deeply thoughtful approach to the guest experience.”
With over 20 years of experience, Chef’s career has taken him from the great culinary capitals of Paris and Lyon to premier luxury resorts throughout the Americas. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at Amrit Ocean Resort on Singer Island, Fla., where he oversaw a food and beverage operation centered around wellness-driven luxury cuisine.
Prior to that, he served as the Corporate Chef and Culinary Director at Aerolíneas Argentinas, Argentina’s largest airline, for six years, and the culinary director at Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires for three years. Chef brings many years of luxury hotel experience to his role at Birdwood Mansion after previously holding Executive Chef positions at the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires and Tempo Rock Resort in Miami, Fla., as well as experience in legendary establishments, such as 3-Michelin-starred L'Arpège and the Ritz Paris.
A graduate of the Ecole Ritz Escoffier, he is known for his unique expertise in ancient cooking techniques, wood-fired grilling, advanced meat maturation, and sustainable sourcing practices — all elements he brings to his tenure at The Dining Room. His philosophy of honoring ingredients, place, and provenance resonates deeply with the culinary direction at Birdwood Mansion, where history is experienced through food.
Beyond his culinary accomplishments, Chef is a respected leader known for cultivating collaborative kitchen cultures, mentoring culinary talent, and inspiring teams through excellence, creativity, and hospitality.
“I have worked in kitchens all over the world, and I am excited to bring my experiences, passions and culinary philosophies to The Dining Room at Birdwood Mansion,” says Executive Chef Ema Zarlenga. “Birdwood Mansion provides such a unique hospitality experience, and the team and I are eager to craft unforgettable culinary moments for travelers and locals alike.”
Birdwood Mansion and The Dining Room at Birdwood Mansion debuted in April 2026 and are now open for reservations. For more information, please visit birdwoodmansion.com.
