About Us

ABOUT
OUR TEAM

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto pairs the most scenic Pittsburgh view with a guest-driven culinary experience. It is the perfect setting for anyone wanting to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, show off the city we love or just enjoy a beautiful night out.

Delicious

We are known for our seafood, from our crab cakes to the over ten species of fresh fish we carry on the menu every night. Our steaks, salads, side dishes and desserts are similarly outstanding. We’re particularly proud as well of our witty and delicious menu of house-made cocktails which feature many Pennsylvania sourced spirits.

Beautiful

Within our two-level glass-walled space, we offer everything from private dining options for up to 100 people to intimate tables for two, all with stunning views of the city of Pittsburgh. In 2015, the restaurant closed for two months to undertake an ambitious renovation and re-decorating. With the goal being that every seat would partake of the spectacular panorama that is Pittsburgh, different levels were integrated into the restaurant floor plan, and balconies were extended. The re-design throughout is clean-lined, subtle and luxurious; allowing the food and the view to justly occupy center-stage.

Sustainable

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is proud to have been honored with a Gold Award from Sustainable Pittsburgh and to partner with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. The latter assists restaurants and our guests to “make responsible choices for a healthier ocean.” We encourage our guests to be informed by visiting SeafoodWatch.org.

Hospitable

Extending true hospitality to you, our guests, is our number one priority. Whether you are joining us to celebrate a life event or an evening out with friends we want make this an evening you won’t forget. If there is anything you can think of to make your experience with us even better, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

LEADERSHIP

JOHN BELLAN

General Manager

As a Pittsburgh area native, John Bellan is proud to serve his community as the General Manager of Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. John received his Associate degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management while working in the hospitality field. He grew as a leader in the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, spending nearly 12 years as a general manager with the Eat’n Park Restaurant Division. He has also served as an assistant general manager with Red Lobster and a general manager with Bravo Cucina Italiana. In 2016, John was named Hospitality Manager of the Year by the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, a recognition which is well-deserved. It is apparent in John’s guest and staff interactions that he serves with a truly hospitable attitude. It brings him great joy to see multi-generational families sharing a meal and making a memory that will last forever. His heart for service reaches beyond the restaurant and into his personal life where he loves to spend time with his wife and children, work on his home, and refurbish furniture. Ask John about the time he carried the Olympic torch on its way to Utah!

EDWIN A. SMITH III

Executive Chef

Chef Edwin Smith is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of the Pittsburgh Culinary Institute. He has a passion for sourcing the freshest fish and seafood in order to give Pittsburgh diners a world-class experience. With over 20 years as an executive chef, Chef Edwin understands the memorable experiences that food can create. Monterey Bay and Chef Edwin strive to find the best, most sustainable products to highlight on the menu. As a hobby fisherman, Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about different fish species, their natural habitats, and the proper fishing methods needed to catch them. Chef Edwin wishes that every guest will be able to taste the dedication that he and his team have for creating delicious and memorable meals at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. When Edwin is not at the restaurant, he can be found at the dog park with wife, Amanda and his four Old English Bulldogs – Mojo, Harley, Luna, and Ginger.

HELEN GRICKS

Controller

Rounding out our Leadership Team is Helen Gricks, our Controller. With 35 years of financial experience in the construction, property management, manufacturing, family office and restaurant industries, Helen brings a wide variety of skills to her role with Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. Helen, a Certified Management Accountant, holds a B. A. in Accounting from Washington & Jefferson College and an M. B. A. from Duquesne University. Her love of hospitality and her strong financial acumen make her uniquely suited to confront the challenges in her financial and human resources roles, and she will tell you that this has been her favorite job in her career to date! When she isn’t working, Helen likes to knit, garden, entertain, and travel with her husband Tim, their family and friends. Helen is thankful to have been able to learn the restaurant business and help lead and grow Monterey Bay since 2011 and looks forward to the future.

MANAGEMENT

THOMAS F. SIEGER

Assistant General Manager

Thomas has spent his career leading in the hospitality industry. During college, he served as the General Manager of The Galley at Westport Marina in the Adirondack Mountains. Shortly after, he moved to Denver, Colorado, and became a bar consultant at Bigsby’s Folly Winery as well as an assistant general manager with Edible Beats, Inc. With a degree in Hospitality Management and a WSET Level 2 Certification, Thomas is well-qualified to serve as the Assistant General Manager at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. Thomas is always happy to talk about wine, food, travel and this week’s Jeopardy episodes.

RENE A. SCHICK

Accounting/Administrative Manager

With over 25 years of experience as a financial manager, Rene Schick brings a wealth of knowledge to her position at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Duquesne University and has worked for local and international companies ever since. As a proud Pittsburgher, Rene is thankful for the opportunity to help Monterey Bay continue to be a lasting Pittsburgh institution. Rene is always looking forward to learning something new and overcoming any challenge, however, as soon as work ends, you WiLL find her S1pplng a glass or wine and dlving into the next NY limes bestseller or in the stands cheering on any of the Pittsburgh sports teams

CALE GRIMM

Sous Chef

As a passionate and talented cook, Cale Grimm is excited to take his career to new heights as a Sous Chef at Monterey Bay. Chef Cale earned his Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from Pittsburgh Technical College in 2019. Having worked in both the front and back of the house at multiple restaurants for the past twelve years, Cale has all the knowledge and experience to needed for this role. When he is not in the restaurant, he is either playing video games or cooking for his fiancée. Chef Cale is happy to join a professional and enthusiastic team at Monterey Bay and looks forward to providing our guests special and memorable dining experiences.

DANIELLE PARCHUKE

Manager

You may recognize Manager Danielle Parchuke from her years of serving at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. Peters Township native, Danielle, served at a number of Pittsburgh restaurants before arriving at Monterey Bay. She made the leap from serving to management in June 2021 and did it brilliantly. Her coworkers and guests describe Danielle as kind, patient and cheerful, and the restaurant is thrilled to have those qualities as part of the management team.

After high school, Danielle attended Community College of Allegheny Country for two years before deciding on a career in hospitality. Skills can be taught but a heart for hospitality is innate, and Danielle describes serving and caring for others as something she “needs” in her life. It is obvious when you see Danielle interacting with coworkers and guests that this is true.

When not at work, Danielle loves spending time with her family, in nature, practicing yoga, and traveling. We would venture to guess that our Dani makes friends wherever she goes. Danielle is thankful for the opportunity to lead at the restaurant. She is often working at the front door to welcome you, so please say hello.

ANTHONY SCARAMOUCHE

Service Manager

We love when we can help someone advance in their career. Pittsburgh native Anthony Scaramouche joined Monterey Bay Fish Grotto as a busser in 2016 shortly after graduating from Woodland Hills High School. Anthony’s ambition and skill drove him to work his way through all our service staff positions to Service Manager.Anthony credits his success to an innate desire to create special moments for our guests and the support of what he calls his “work family” at Monterey Bay. Our focus on authentic hospitality is right up Anthony’s alley and we are so pleased to have him as a member of our management team.

When not at work Anthony is often playing and collecting trading card games. If you are a fan of Pokémon or Magic the Gathering, ask Anthony about his quest to complete his set of the Power 9! Maybe he will make a trade with you. And in case you are tempted to ask him, no, Anthony has never worked at the White House and no, he will not do the Fandango.

ULISES GUILLEN

Sous Chef Sous Chef

Ulises is a great addition to the Monterey Bay Chef Team. Having helped lead the team for 10+ years at Bravo Cucina Italiana, Cheesecake Factory and other high-volume kitchens, he has an extensive knowledge of food and international cuisine. Chef Ulises brings a vibrancy and dedication to his position as Sous Chef. He enjoys learning and teaching others through his work. As a dedicated husband and loving father of three children, he enjoys spending his time with family and friends. In his free time, you can find him enjoying a soccer game on the field or on TV.

CHRISTOPHER DeROSE

Director of Wine & Spirits

We are pleased to welcome Christopher DeRose to our management team as Director of Wine & Spirits. A Beaver County native, Chris graduated from Freedom High School before joining the United States Army. Chris is proud to have served for 10 years as a combat engineer including an 18-month deployment to Iraq where his duties included locating and disarming roadside IEDs.

Upon leaving the Army, Chris decided to change focus to hospitality and learning the art of making and serving craft cocktails and fine wines. He joined CoCothe Restaurant in Sewickley as a bartender and was quickly promoted to manager. Most recently Chris managed the Sewickley Tavern where he made quite a name for himself as a guest favorite.

We are honored that he has chosen to continue his career with Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. Chris brings his professionalism, leadership abilities, and charismatic personality which will help him continue our tradition of providing an amazing guest experience. He intends to wow guests “from the first sip of the cocktail to the final bite of dessert.”

Chris would much rather be outside hunting, canoeing, camping, or hiking than just about anywhere else. We would venture that his camping trips include some delicious cocktails. If you see him in the restaurant, join us in thanking him for his service to our country and tell him about your favorite cocktail.

ANGELINA WATSON

Private Events Coordinator

Angelina Watson has been a Monterey Bay team member for over 17 years. She excelled as a server and a manager, giving top notch, memorable service and creating a welcoming environment for every guest in the restaurant. In her new role as the Private Events Coordinator, Angie is enthusiastic about fostering hospitality and making memories with each private event. That same enthusiasm carries beyond Monterey Bay and into her time spent with her sons, Cameron and Matthew. Angelina treasures the opportunity to share in our guests’ special occasions and cannot wait to create your perfect event with you!

ZOE PECKICH

Pastry Chef

We welcome Zoe Peckich in a new role with Monterey Bay as our Pastry Chef. Chef Zoe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship from Johnson and Wales University. She is an incredibly creative and driven person. Her curiosity for the pastry arts has taken her all over the world. She worked at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, spent time in Italy studying the art of gelato making, and was a professional chocolatier in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are so proud that Chef Zoe has found her way to Monterey Bay Fish Grotto in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Her passion for desserts results in innovative and delicious menu items that she cannot wait to share with you.