We are a team of seasoned, passionate professionals with a portfolio of renowned venues to our credit: a chef, a sommelier, an operations mind, and above all a group of friends. While still helming Battello, our Jersey City institution, we brought our talents to Monmouth County in partnership with the Martelli Family, taking on all food and beverage across Suneagles Golf Club after its massive renovation. Nestled inside Tillinghouse, Ember & Eagle offers a dining experience that mirrors the refinement of its surroundings.
An Italian heart at the steakhouse table: a crudo and raw bar, house-made pasta, Pat LaFrieda prime cuts over open flame, and a cellar weighted to Italy.
“An unyielding pursuit of perfection.”
Chef and partner Ryan DePersio brings the Battello standard to Monmouth County, alongside a kitchen and beverage team who treat warm, unhurried service as seriously as the food.
Ryan DePersio
Chef & Partner
A James Beard Award semifinalist and the chef and partner behind Ember & Eagle, who brought the standard that made Battello a Jersey City institution to Monmouth County. Follow along at @chef_rd.
Dennis Mathews
Executive Chef
Leads the kitchen day to day, from the crudo bar and house-made pastas to Pat LaFrieda prime cuts dry-aged and grilled over open flame.
Michael Lantry
Executive Pastry Chef
Runs a pastry program that earns the last course, from the tiramisu croffle to a warm chocolate butter cake and house gelato.
Frankie Medina
Beverage Director
Curates the cocktail list and an extensive, Italian-leaning cellar of more than a hundred selections, built to match the steakhouse table.
Joe Calafiore
Director of Operations
Keeps the many moving parts of Ember & Eagle moving as one — the logistics, the timing, the hundred small decisions guests never notice and always feel, from the first reservation to the last pour of the night.
Cory Checket
Operations & Sommelier
Pairs a hand in daily operations with the trained palate of a sommelier, matching each pour to the plate and the moment — from the first glass at the Parlor Bar to the final toast.
“Love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life.”
James Beard Award semifinalist
Chef Ryan DePersio
From the team behind Battello
Jersey City
A celebrated waterfront restaurant
Sommelier-led wine program
Ember & Eagle
Inside the historic Tillinghouse
Suneagles Golf Club
The Knot Best of Weddings 2024 & 2025 (Tillinghouse)