Bolivar Hilario
CHEF
Chef Hilario, a native of Puebla, Mexico joined Community table as Chef in September 2023 after spending several years working in some of the top NY kitchens. Bolivar brings a vision that aligns seamlessly with Ct's philosophy. Working from his core values, he has the utmost respect for the ingredients he serves, his kitchen team and the customers he cooks for. Sourcing with integrity while focusing on a healthy take on modern local cuisine is a top priority.
You’ll find that Chef Bolivar skillfully incorporates local ingredients into his recipes, inspired by his Mexican heritage and experiences in Japanese and French kitchens.
Karen Veillette
Head Bartender
Community table’s hallmark ambiance, and Karen’s natural warmth makes the bar an easy and welcoming destination for casual diners and those just coming in to enjoy a special cocktail that is anything but ordinary. Being a bartender isn’t just about serving food and drinks, it’s about providing an experience. “It’s my honor to be able to learn and navigate the needs of our guests in a way that is genuine and in alignment with my own love of the hospitality industry.”
As a Connecticut native, Karen studied the culinary arts and hospitality management since high school. After a move to Boston where she worked front of house as server, bartender and then manager for Boston’s largest restaurant group, she moved across the country to Arizona where she studied Holistic Heathcare, herbalism, food energetics, flower essence healing and mind/body transformational psychology.
Jo-Ann Makovitzky
Managing Partner
A New York native and graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Ct is Jo-Ann's fifth restaurant. She previously owned and operated the storied Tocqueville Restaurant and its Michelin-Starred neighbor, 15 East, as well as The Fourth and Botequim -- all located in NYC's Union Square. Jo-Ann was the Catalyst for GrowNYC's Project Farmhouse- a public education center for environmental sustainability, and volunteered regularly at Citymeals on Wheels.
Jo-Ann joined Ct's original owners, Keith and Peggy Anderson, to relaunch the restaurant in 2018. Their shared vision to curate a restaurant that is a gathering place for the community and a place to celebrate locally-sourced ingredients is now in its 15th year. Alongside her role at Ct, Jo-Ann is an active member of Les Dames D'Escoffier, a mom, and a full-time resident of New Preston. Jo-Ann is currently working on a new project
for the Community table company.
