As this is our annual Food Issue, it's only appropriate we connect with a few of our favorite local chefs and share a little bit about their background. Bon appétit!
CHEF PASCAL OLHATS
OWNER OF PASCAL CUISINE
If you know the Orange County food scene, you know Chef Pascal Olhats. Born in France, Chef Pascal learned to cook in his mother’s kitchen and moved to Orange County in 1984. Pascal is an extraordinary Executive Chef and restaurateur. He has won numerous awards and has collaborated with several restaurants in Newport Beach over the past three decades. Pascal now focuses on giving back to special and intimate gatherings that celebrate food, wine, and life. pascalcuisine.com
CHEF ROB WILSON
EXECUTIVE CHEF/OWNER GLASSPAR DANA POINT
Chef Rob began his career as a teenager at the Dana Point Chart House. He advanced quickly to become Sous Chef at the Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach and then co-owner and Executive Chef of Cervino’s in Mammoth. He then spent 13 years as Executive Chef at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, prior to becoming Executive Chef at The Montage. A graduate of New York’s Culinary Institute of America, he was named “Chef of the Year” in 2008 by Chef Magazine. glasspar.com
CHEF SANJAY RAWAT
EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL
The Ritz-Carlton’s Chef Sanjay Rawat is chef de cuisine of a new, chef-driven culinary program dedicated to Indian weddings. The New Delhi-native brings a decade of international cooking experience with a nuanced understanding of India's multi-faceted culinary landscape. Rawat's program balances authentic dishes like New Delhi Gol Gappa to twists on classics with modern flare such as Tandoori Scallops and a Masala Leg of Lamb carving station. ritzcarlton.com
CHEF JEAN-PIERRA DUBRAY
EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH
Originally from France, Chef Dubray arrived in the US in 1980. With over 40 years of culinary experience, Dubray has led culinary teams at Forbes 5-star rated resorts. In 2002, he was named "Outstanding Chef of the Year" by Marin County Brand of the International Wine and Food Society, received the prestigious award of "Le Merite Agricole" by the French Minister of Agriculture and was inducted "Maitre Cuisinier de France" Master Chef of France in 2019. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com
CHEF JARED COOK
EXECUTIVE CHEF/PARTNER VINE, IRONWOOD, OLEA, SAPPHIRE, BLOOM RESTAURANTS
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Chef Jared Cook spent his childhood cooking alongside his mom, and today is recognized as one of the OC’s top chefs. He honed his skills at premier restaurants including French 75 in Laguna Beach, Chat Noir in Costa Mesa, and Vine Restaurant in San Clemente. A steady stream of accolades and awards continues to drive Jared to create unique, out-of-the-ordinary cuisine. sapphirelagunabeach.com
CHEF NICHOLAS SHIPP
EXECUTIVE CHEF OAK LAGUNA BEACH
Chef Nick Shipp began his cooking career at the age of 15 and started his formal education at the Culinary Institute of Dallas. After honing his skills in the Wolfgang Puck franchise, he held Executive Chef positions at Pete’s in downtown Los Angeles and then Upper West in Santa Monica. Chef Nick has brought his emerging talent, outstanding reputation, and love for hospitality to the kitchen of Oak Laguna Beach. oak-lagunabeach.com
