Team
Chef Thomas E. Depew
Executive Chef
Chef Thomas Depew flourished from humble beginnings that originated from his upbringing in New York State in the late 1970s. With 19 years of kitchen experience under his belt, Chef Thomas’ accolades ranging from assisting in the creation of the Ft. Wayne, IN chapter of “Slow Foods;” training under Hungarian-style butchers in becoming proficient in muscle separation butchery; learning from the Tanaka Family of Japan the art of Wagyu Beef; working alongside Charlie Trotter, Cat Cora, Rick Bayless, and Michael Simon for “Blessings in a Backpack;” to every chef’s career dream, which was cooking at the James Beard House in 2010.
With established roots in New York and Indiana and the growing desire to spread his wings, Chef Thomas migrated west to begin a new chapter in his cooking career. He now resides as the Executive Chef at Glass Door San Diego, which has been the new canvas of his hard-earned creativity. Celebrating the mantra of “work hard until you get it right and then just keep working hard,” Chef Thomas infuses refined taste, a spectrum of flavor, and organic passion into each and every one of his plates. The Glass Door boasts tastes of every culinary capitol into dishes that are created and re-created on a rotating basis. Chef Thomas is eager to please the palate, and always delivers success.
Dean Powers
Bar Manager
Born in Lindsay, CA Dean brings over 13 years of behind the bar experience to Glass Door where controls the cocktail and beverage creativity. Dean began his career in the corporate restaurant sector where opened restaurants for TGI Fridays and Chili’s.
After that Dean took his talents to Donavan’s Prime Steakhouse in the Gaslamp Quarter. Continuing his skills at opening bars, Dean was selected to become the Hear Bartender for the former Se Hotel where he was responsible for building the cocktail menu and the standards of bar operations. With his skill set fully developed Dean was called on to take the helm at Revolver, the restaurant concept of the ultra popular Gaslamp Nightclub Voyuer. At Revolver Dean was given complete creative control and developed new cocktails on a daily basis.
In addition to his on the job accolades Dean is also a National Brand Ambassador for Makers Mark Bourbon and an accomplished Home Beer Brewer with a lengthy list of personal recipes. Dean was also a Regional Finalist in the 2009 Bombay Sapphire Cocktail Competition sponsored by GQ Magazine.
Now a member of team Glass Door Dean has brought a new flair to the beverage program with the signature drinks he has created and local microbrews he has been able to source. Dean proudly features his signature drink “Deano” on the menu that is made up of muddled Blackberries, Makers Mark Bourbon, Rosemary, and Ginger.