Rosewood Inn of The Anasazi Welcomes Cristian Pontiggia as Executive Chef

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

USA, Santa Fe, New Mexico. July 08, 2025

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi a celebrated symbol of Southwestern elegance and culture, is pleased to welcome Chef Cristian Pontiggia as its new Executive Chef. With a career spanning Michelin-starred kitchens in Italy to Santa Fe's most beloved dining rooms, Chef Pontiggia brings a globally inspired, locally grounded culinary vision to the The Anasazi Restaurant.

A revered name in the Santa Fe food scene, Chef Pontiggia was recently named a 2025 James Beard Award semi-finalist in the Best Chef: Southwest category for his work at Sassella, the fine dining Italian restaurant he co-founded in 2019. He was also honored as Chef of the Year by both the American Culinary Federation (2022) and the New Mexico Restaurant Association (2023) and is officially recognized as a Master Chef by the Italian government.

"It has been a true pleasure to welcome Chef Pontiggia to the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi family," said Lutz Arnhold, Managing Director of Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. "His depth of expertise, culinary artistry and thoughtful approach to hospitality will be instrumental as we continue to elevate the guest experience while remaining deeply connected to the cultural and culinary traditions of Santa Fe."

Under Chef Pontiggia's leadership, The Anasazi Restaurant enters a new era — one that honors its legacy of refined Southwestern cuisine while evolving with bold new flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a renewed commitment to storytelling through food. His spring menu includes standout dishes like Branzino Empapelado, Pappardelle Bolognese —a rich, soulful twist on the classic made with locally sourced buffalo—and a Burrata Caprese elevated with a distinctly New Mexican flair through the addition of green chili honey. With a tasting menu and Chef's Table experience on the horizon, Chef Pontiggia is crafting a journey that celebrates both place and palate.

Originally from the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Chef Pontiggia began his culinary career at age 14 and brings over two decades of culinary experience to the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. He has worked in prestigious kitchens across Europe and the U.S., including Hotel Cristallo and Hotel Margherita in Italy, and regionally at renowned restaurants such as El Nido, Osteria d'Assisi, and The Stakeout. His work at Sassella and The Deli at Sassella transformed the Santa Fe dining landscape, winning praise for its authenticity, hospitality, and innovation.

"Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is a brand known for its exceptional standards and timeless elegance," said Chef Pontiggia. "It is an honor to lead the team at Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in its new culinary chapter and I'm eager to blend the heart of my Italian heritage with the bold and diverse flavors of New Mexican cuisine."

The Anasazi Restaurant and Chef Pontiggia will also continue their partnership with Cooking With Kids, a beloved local nonprofit dedicated to empowering children to make healthy food choices through hands-on education.