Schooled in Architecture and a self-taught baker and cook, Walid Ataya designs, builds and creates concepts from scratch. Drawing on an upbringing in design and a “terroir” philosophy, he masterfully marries tastes, flavors and aromas to ingredients. His latest endeavor is titled La Menagerie and, befitting the name, diners will find a touch of political and theatrical sarcasm, both on the menu and in the recipes, with comfort food providing a welcome moment of light relief, helping us to forget the everyday problems that life throws at us.