John Greeley’s sumptuous creations stem from a love of fine art, exceptional culinary skill and a passion for local ingredients. John’s formal training was conducted at New York City’s School of Visual Arts and Savannah (GA) College of Art and Design. 

John’s culinary career spanned the east coast from Nantucket Island to 45 South in Savannah, GA before he found his home at ‘21’.  Joining ‘21’ in 1995, he was quickly promoted to sous-chef. In 2002, he became opening sous-chef of The Upstairs at ‘21’, and is currently executive chef of ‘21’.

John’s know-how with new American cuisine combined with his training in the fine arts provides a unique platform for his creations by using the freshest ingredients in tasty and visually exciting new ways. John’s wild game and fish dishes have wowed ‘21’ patrons for nearly 10 years.

John is the media’s go-to-guy for holiday help: his untraditional wild turkey and breadless squash stuffing was syndicated in 2004 and 2005 by the Associated Press. When NBC’s TODAY Show needed a new twist on Christmas, John ably demonstrated his effortless “goof-proof” goose. He has appeared three times on CBS’s Saturday Early Show “Chef on a Shoestring” and has made chili with David Tutera on Discovery’s The Party Planner.

Driven by a love of music and the performing arts, Michael Shef, the new Restaurant Manager at '21', began his career outside of the restaurant industry. Graduating from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Public Relations and minors in Dance Performance and Business Administration, Michael spent a few years working with the New York Philharmonic, London/Decca records and as an artist manager with JF Mastroianni Associates.

Food and wine always held a special place in Michael’s heart so when the opportunity to work for La Mascotte presented itself, he jumped at it. Michael had found his calling. Over the next several years, Michael honed his service, management, and wine skills at some of New York’s top restaurants including La Caravelle, Alain Ducasse at the Essex House, Fleur de Sel, Jo Jo,  Mesa Grill, Bar Americain, Artisanal, David Burke & Donatella (now David Burke Townhouse), Fishtail by David Burke, Vento & Atlantic Grill.

Passionate about wine, Michael is on his way to becoming a Master Sommelier. He also teaches for the American Sommelier Association’s certificate class, while serving on the Board of Governors for Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation.

Phil Pratt, the Wine Director at '21', is mostly recognized as our Bar Room Sommelier, a post he’s held for over ten years. This CIA graduate is affiliated with the American Sommelier Association and the Institute of Masters of Wine (he was the recipient of their first Rosemount Scholarship); Phil is a two-time panelist for the New York Times "Tasting" column and served as an advisor to Wine and Spirits magazine.

Phil’s extensive experience at some of NYC’s top restaurants (such as Arcadia, The Post House and Windows on the World) includes front-of-house managerial positions and wine/beverage responsibilities.