Rise Above The Ordinary

Andy Vyskocil

Chef de Cuisine

Chef de Cuisine Andy Vyskocil brings over two decades of culinary experiences to Rand Tower Hotel’s two F&B concepts, Whiskey & Soda and Rand Tower Club. With a menu highlighting the exquisite flavor profiles of classic French cuisine, Vyskocil showcases elegant, beautifully plated, and locally-sourced dishes that reflect the historic atmosphere of the hotel – as well as the dedicated teamwork and devotion to the craft his kitchen exemplifies. “The goal is to give the guest a sense of grandeur in their surroundings, and in the flavors of the beautifully plated dishes, without being unapproachable,” he says.

Growing up in the Twin Cities, Vyskocil took after his Polish grandmother’s culinary talents and appreciated the significance of cooking from an early age. “The kitchen is a place that brings friends and family together. Food is a universal expression of love,” he says. “Every time I'm in the kitchen, I’m home.” Beginning his career as a dishwasher and working his way up, Vyskocil graduated from Brown College Le Cordon Bleu in Mendota Heights, Minnesota in 2008. While pursuing his culinary arts degree, Vyskocol also donated food and devoted his time to several charities, including Second Harvest Heartland, Share Our Strength, and Gillette Children’s Hospital.

Upon graduation, Vyskocil received the notable opportunity of studying under James Beard Award nominee Chef Christian Ticcaro at Canyon Grille, Coon Rapids. “Being a part of a professional culinary team, who took me under their wing, made a very big difference in shaping my career path,” he says. Having Chef Ticcaro as his mentor helped Vyskocil hone his culinary and mangerial skills and jumpstart his culinary career. Shortly afterwards, he opened and operated Rival House in St. Paul, in addition to La Voya French Brasserie at the Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport Intercontinental Hotel, where the hotel’s former Executive Chef John Occhiato, also of Cosmos, Lowes 601 Hotel and Citizen Supper Club St. Paul, began mentoring him over the last 12 years. Most recently, Vyskocil won two back-to-back Grillfest Burger Battles, and was named Master of the Market at the 2019 Minneapolis Farmers Market cooking competition.

Constantly learning, connecting, and refining his palate, Vyskocil spent the last three years focusing his attention on French regional cuisine—thus leading him to share his talents with the Rand Tower Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. As chef de cuisine, Vyskocil concentrates on creating a Michelin-quality dining experience and putting his own globally-inspired twist on upscale French dishes—while also ensuring the elegant menu marries well with the beverage program’s rare and unique whiskies, and that each guest receives the finest service possible. Outside of work, Vyskocil spends time with his wife, Angela, his five-year-old son, Greyson, and his three dogs.He enjoys fishing and walks with the family.