About Our Charlottesville Restaurant
Birch & Bloom is warm, convivial, and inviting reflecting the spirit of Charlottesville. It’s down-to-earth yet refined, with a focus on showcasing local ingredients in an authentic and unpretentious way. With an ample wine cellar, stocked with the best vineyards, it is the perfect spot for a meal among colleagues, a family celebration, or just a memorable time with friends, in a lively, welcoming space.
Ryan Collins, Executive Chef
Chef Ryan leads all culinary operations, including the hotel’s restaurants—Birch & Bloom, The Good Sport and The Aspen Bar—as well as in-room dining, banquets, weddings and events. Born in Gaithersburg, Md., Collins began his kitchen career at age 14 and trained under James Beard Award-winner Isaac Becker. His eight-year tenure with José Andrés in Washington, D.C., including roles as executive sous chef at Oyamel and on the ThinkFoodGroup research and development team, shaped his signature blend of Spanish, Mediterranean and modern American influences.
After moving to Charlottesville, Collins led the kitchen at Early Mountain Vineyards and co-founded Little Star. He champions sustainability, local sourcing and creative menu development, delivering memorable dining experiences that celebrate both innovation and community.
