Doug Flicker

Blessed with a natural talent and a passion for the craft, Doug possesses a humble assuredness that comes with years of hard work and dedication. Quietly praised for years in the Twin Cites culinary community, Doug and the restaurants in which he cooks have come to be recognized in the upper echelon of fine dining. Leading the Minnesota culinary community in forward thinking, cuisine-focused dining experiences, Chef Doug Flicker shines as a restaurateur and culinary artist-to-watch.

Beginning cooking at D'Amico Cucina after high school, Doug rose to head chef at the young age of 26. As Doug grew as an artist, he became close to other young chefs making their way in the industry. Seeing a niche for a restaurant owned and operated by chefs and being focused almost entirely on the cuisine itself, Doug, along with three other young colleagues, opened Auriga restaurant in 1997. At only 30 years old, Doug had become part owner and key chef of an establishment that would be a perennial favorite among critics and diners alike.

After a critically lauded tenure at Auriga that ended in 2007, Doug spent several years as head chef of Mission and Porter and Frye in the Hotel Ivy, both located in downtown Minneapolis. Several years later and once again partnered with Jim Andrus, Doug opened Piccolo in January 2010 to critical acclaim, receiving four out of four stars in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and "Best New Restaurant" in City Pages.

While work is a bit like play (at least to him), Doug spends his free time with his wife Amy, his dog Phoebe, and the two other loves in his life: his Italian Ducati motorcycles.

James D Andrus

Jim brings a lifelong passion for food and wine that have enabled him to run a successful and notable wine program previously at Auriga and at his newest collaboration with Doug, Piccolo. Although he prefers to stay out of the limelight, Jim's influence on Piccolo is through its thoughtfully selected wine list and a philosophy of cuisine he shares with Doug in a partnership that has lasted almost a decade.

Adam Johnson

Adam grew up in south Minneapolis and started working in restaurants during college. After frequently and diligently skipping class, changing his major and being on academic probation, he strangely decided college wasn't for him and started giving his full attention to working in the industry. Gracing such stand out restaurants as Town Talk Diner and Heidi’s, Adam brings a high standard to the service of Piccolo that everyone else just makes fun of... behind his back.

Xan Holston

Xan began his descent into the restaurant underbelly of Minneapolis at the age of 16 in the dish pit of The Loring Café. From there he has occupied many stations in various restaurants through out Minneapolis where he formed a life-long bond with Doug Flicker. After a several year sabbatical they are reunited again.

Robb Sandberg

Chosen by Modern Server Monthly as Server of the Year 4 years running as well as "Tallest Server", we are proud have Robb with us on a part time basis.

Katie Amundson

Starting in the restaurant business as a wait assistant at Heidi's, Katie joined the Piccolo team in July of 2010. She is a proud mother to Stinson, a large tabby cat, (named after Bob and Tommy of The Replacements). Despite being a Minnesota native she has not snowboarded and will not attempt the activity even when asked politely.

Kim Tong

Kim grew up in a large family and learned to cook alongside her mother, whose talent and love for food was passed along to her daughter. After stints at Five, Town Talk Diner, Solera and now The Inn, Kim joined our crew in the summer of 2010 and brought with her a desire to make people comfortable while experiencing something novel and original.

Debra Bourne

Debra loves the community experience of food for all that it is and can be from farm to kitchen to table and back. An almost compulsive organizer, designer and fixer of things, she's happiest making life simpler, healthier and more enjoyable for those around her.