Meet the Team

Balandra is founded on the belief that elevated food and wine should be both refined and accessible. Our mission is to create a warm, inclusive space where guests can explore thoughtfully curated wines and chef-driven seasonal small plates, while crafting their own premium charcuterie boards from a selection of artisanal ingredients. We value simplicity, personalization, and hospitality - delivering a tailored, high-quality experience that celebrates connection, discovery, and the joy of sharing exceptional food and wine.

  • Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked in every front-of-house role, from hostess to general manager, in a wide range of restaurant settings, including American bistros, steakhouses, and modern Mexican kitchens. Each experience has shaped my approach to hospitality and deepened my understanding of the people we serve.

    What drives me is a love for truly great food and wine, and the belief that quality should never be sacrificed for profit. I’m passionate about creating a space where guests feel welcomed, cared for, and excited to explore something new. I also care deeply about building a supportive, respectful environment for our team, because great service always starts with people who love where they work.

    My goal is simple: to build the kind of restaurant that feels like an extension of your home, where every visit feels special and every detail reflects thought and care.

  • Ivan’s journey in the kitchen began in Mexico, where he started as a dishwasher and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually earning the title of chef at some of the most respected restaurants in the region. His hands-on experience and relentless dedication gave him a deep understanding of traditional techniques, bold flavor profiles, and the importance of every role in the kitchen.

    After moving to the Pacific Northwest, Ivan continued to expand his culinary perspective, working in a wide variety of Eastside kitchens, from American and Italian to upscale Mexican and steakhouse concepts.

    What truly sets Ivan apart is his passion for sourcing the highest-quality ingredients and transforming them into dishes that are not only delicious, but also artfully presented and thoughtfully composed.

    Ivan believes food should be both an experience and a conversation, and his approach to cooking is rooted in the idea that even the simplest ingredients, when treated with respect, can become something extraordinary.

Contact us

Questions, private dining inquiries, or something you’d like to share with us?
Reach out using this form — we look forward to welcoming you to Balandra.