Chef Andrew Simonich, originally from Pepperell, MA, developed a passion for cooking while helping his grandmother prepare Thanksgiving dinners. His early interest in the culinary arts was nurtured further in high school while working as a pizza delivery driver, where he began assisting in the kitchen during downtime. Encouraged by his grandmother Mary and mother Kim, who both come from teaching backgrounds, he pursued his dream of a culinary career.

His professional journey began at Avenue N American Kitchen in Rumford, RI, where he interned while attending Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence. At Avenue N, he gained his first professional culinary experience, learning the importance of working in a scratch kitchen.

Following his time at Avenue N, Simonich joined No. 9 Park as an intern in December 2019 under Chef Heather Neri. He stayed with the restaurant through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising to the position of sous chef in September 2022. His tenure at No. 9 Park was instrumental in developing his skills in fine dining, writing food and staff management.

In May 2023, Simonich took on a new challenge as the kitchen manager for Menton, Sportello, and Drink, eventually becoming the Chef de Cuisine (CDC) for these establishments at the age of 25. His role involved overseeing back-of-house operations, menu creation, and staff training. This period allowed him to refine his fine dining techniques and explore the art of creating exceptional dining experiences under the prestigious Relais & Chateaux.

After the closure of Menton and the other Congress Street locations in January 2024, Simonich returned to No. 9 Park as the CDC. In this role, he brought his extensive experience and knowledge back to Barbara Lynch’s flagship restaurant, contributing to its evolution and continued success.

Simonich holds a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts from JWU, where he was mentored by Chef Wyatt Maguire. He also studied French cuisine at Alain Ducasse University in Paris during the summer of 2018, where he learned Ducasse’s philosophy of highlighting natural ingredients.

Currently residing in Attleboro, MA, Simonich enjoys a variety of hobbies outside the kitchen, including attending concerts, working on his car, spending time at the beach, and being with family and friends. His favorite musical acts include MisterWives, The Band Camino, and Jon Bellion.

Inspired by culinary legends like Alain Ducasse, Alex Sidell, and David Castro Hussong, Simonich frequently draws from cookbooks such as “Pasta” by Missy Robbins, any of Alain Ducasse’s works, and “On Vegetables” by Jeremy Fox.

Simonich’s immediate focus is on guiding No. 9 Park into its next chapter. While he envisions opening his own restaurant in the future, for now, he remains dedicated to his role at the venerable Beacon Hill restaurant where he continues to elevate the culinary experiences of his guests.