Darrell’s career in hospitality started right here on Shilshole Bay in 1993 while attending Seattle Pacific University. He was working as a busser at a nearby restaurant and he found that he enjoyed the industry more than anything else and continued on.

After working his way up he managed and ran the wine program at Ponti Seafood Grill for several years and then continued in a similar capacity at Nell’s in Green Lake for about 8 years before coming to Ray’s.

Darrell’s favorite wine is a 1995 Chateau Cos d’Estournal Saint-Estephe which pairs perfectly with a New York steak with demi-glace. He enjoys cooking at home and his go-to dish is grilled pork tenderloin with sweet potato puree, sauteed escarole and apple glaze. His hobbies are trail running with his dog and playing pool. When he gets away for travel, he’ll most frequently go to Manta, Ecuador.