Meet our Team

Executive Chef, Larry DiFolco

Growing up in New York, Chef Larry DiFolco grew up in a very food focused environment with exposure to the industry via a small family-owned restaurant. He received his training at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and has his Associates in Culinary Arts and Bachelors in Hospitality Management. He has 15 years of practical experience ranging from fine dining to high volume restaurants, hotels, country club and private catering.

Chef DiFolco’s career has taken him from cutting edge kitchens in New York City to the Caribbean, Ireland and Russia. He now feels privileged to be settled and working in San Diego as it becomes a major food city. Chef DiFolco’s passion lies in Italian cuisine but he has recently begun exploring California cuisine and the amazing bounty of products available in San Diego.

Listen to Chef Larry Difolco on Travel Talk Radio (April 26, 2009)

Diane Pham, Banquet Manager

After starting with the Hilton Campus in 2005, Diane now serves as the banquet manager for Bistro 39 and Hilton Garden Inn. She started in the hospitality industry working as a front desk agent and marketing coordinator for the Homewood Suites, San Diego/ Del Mar. Later she moved to San Francisco, CA, where she worked as the meeting concierge manager. Diane brings a wealth of experience and energy to Bistro 39 and the Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego/ Del Mar. Diane received a BA from San Diego State University.

Lindsey Jagoda, Catering and Event Planner

Lindsey joined the Bistro 39 and Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego/ Del Mar team in April 2009 as the Catering Manager. She has experience planning and catering private events at Country Clubs in San Diego. Most recently, Lindsey was a Catering Manager with Marriott, where she planned meetings, weddings, parties and celebrations. Lindsey received a BA from Brigham Young University in Recreation Management & Commercial Recreation. “I’m excited for what the future holds at Bistro 39 and The Hilton Garden Inn,” says Jagoda.