When Patrick Bowling stepped into the role of chef de cuisine at La Bar à Boeuf last September, it was a natural transition. His passion for cooking dates back to childhood, when he spent time in the kitchen with his grandmother, a school cook. One early memory stands out: tossing raisins in a skillet while wearing a onesie. “I was a cook before I knew I was a cook,” he says.
After graduating from LaSalle, Bowling briefly attended college on a soccer scholarship before feeling drawn back to the restaurant world. Starting as a bartender and then a server, his big break came unexpectedly when he was asked to fill in as an expeditor. Handed a chef coat, something clicked. “It was like it was made specifically for me,” he recalls. He never left the kitchen after that moment.
His career evolved through key roles, including working under acclaimed chef Jean-Robert de Cavel. From Pho Paris to Chalk Food + Wine, and later positions at Cumin and Paco o Paco, Bowling steadily climbed the ranks. He eventually reunited with de Cavel before continuing his journey through various kitchens, including Blackberry Farm.
Returning to a familiar and supportive environment, he found stability within the de Cavel Group. When the opportunity at La Bar à Boeuf arose, he embraced it fully. Now, Bowling is focused on honoring French culinary traditions while adapting the dining experience for modern audiences, balancing respect for the past with a vision for the future.
2200 Victory Pkwy., East Walnut Hills, (513) 751-2333






