POLL: Favorite Hotel Chef in San Diego

Vote for Your Favorite San Diego Hotel Chef, Presented By Wells Fargo Best Hotel Chef in San Diego

Written By: Alana Aronson Best Hotel Chef in San Diego

Rancho Bernardo Inn: AVANT; Chef de Cuisine Aaron Thomas

Chef Aaron describes his culinary style as modern and traditional. Combining his knowledge of food with a modern twist in flavors and presentation, Chef Aaron’s been able to construct a refreshing update to the menu at AVANT.

L’Auberge Del Mar: KITCHEN 1540; Executive Chef Nathan Lingle

With over 20 years of exemplary culinary experience, Executive Chef Nathan Lingle is an integral player of the ongoing relaunch mission at L’Auberge Del Mar’s famed dining venues. At L’Auberge Del Mar, Lingle continues his devotion to utilizing the highest quality regional ingredients, naturally enhancing them through proper cooking techniques. Lingle calls his cuisine Coastal Harvest. Best Hotel Chef in San Diego

Catamaran Resort: Oceana Coastal Kitchen; Executive Chef Steven Riemer

In early 2015, Chef Riemer opened the doors to the Catamaran’s remodeled waterfront restaurant Oceana Coastal Kitchen featuring breathtaking bay views and his unique take on fresh, coastal California cuisine.

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego: Sally’s Seafood on the Water; Chef de Cuisine Jay Payne

A plate is a work of art, and Chef Jay believes working with food should celebrate ingenuity, revolution and community. With Southern California’s bounty of fresh seafood and waterfront access straight to the marina, Chef Jay’s menu additions will highlight seasonal ingredients with a sense of inspired sophistication

Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows: HOPE 46; Executive Chef Ryan Gilbert

Ryan attributes his passion for the culinary arts to his Sicilian and Dutch heritage, and more specifically to his grandfather Simone “Sam” Billuni who was a renowned chef and restaurant owner in San Diego during the 1970’s and 80’s. Best Hotel Chef in San Diego

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa: Twenty/20; Executive Chef Julian Quinones

Chef Quinones is known for focusing on classic cooking techniques like grilling and enjoys integrating current food trends influenced by seasonality into his recipes. Gaining popularity for his SD-inspired meals, Executive Chef Quinones has been featured on TV, hosting cooking segments with CW6, FOX 5 and KUSI!

Cape Rey Carlsbad: Chandler’s; Culinary Director/Chef Teri McIllwain

Chef Teri McIllwain’s fresh approach to Chandler’s includes creating new seasonal, coastal- inspired menus that are centered on premium ingredients sourced from local and sustainable farms: “Food is so much more than fuel for the body; we create memories every time we gather around the table. Every meal is a memory, and it should reflect of our laid-back, SoCal vibe, ” states McIllwain. Best Hotel Chef in San Diego

Tower23 Hotel: JRDN; Executive Chef Danilo “DJ” Tangalin

As executive chef, DJ energizes each kitchen he touches with his commitment to quality and passion for creating memorable meals. “Nothing can compare to the joy I have when a guest tells me that our kitchen served them the best meal of their life. Chasing that feeling drives me to choose top ingredients and then to let those ingredients shine. I try to always remember that nature is the star of the dish, not the chef, ” says Tangalin.

La Valencia Hotel: Executive Chef Alex Emery

With more than 10 years experience in leading kitchen teams and staying on the cutting edge of progressive food trends, Emery explains that his cooking benefits from multicultural influences. Emery leans towards unique spices and locally sourced fresh products with an emphasis on seafood, making him ideal for the signature menus of THE MED.

Lodge at Torrey Pines: A.R. Valentien, Grill; Executive Chef Jeff Jackson

Acclaimed Executive Chef Jeff Jackson has been credited with being one of the original pioneers of the farm-to-table movement in San Diego. He founded the nationally-recognized Celebrate the Craft festival, and now showcases his iconic dedication to farm fresh ingredients at The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien and the newly reopened, Grill at Torrey Pines. Best Hotel Chef in San Diego

Park Hyatt Aviara: Vivace Restaurant; Chef Kevin McCarthy

It was the pursuit of a bounty of seasonal ingredients that brought Chef Kevin to Aviara. His passion and use of culinary classics is shown masterfully through innovative menus he has developed for the AAA Four-Diamond Vivace. Known for his fresh and seasonal Italian-inspired cuisine, Chef Kevin has infused his unique and contemporary style into the exquisite menu offerings at Vivace. Best Hotel Chef in San Diego

Andaz San Diego: Chef de Cuisine Laura de Martin

Laura de Martin was named Chef de Cuisine of the Andaz San Diego in May 2014. Chef Laura enjoys cooking contemporary regional cuisine accented with bold flavors and locally-sourced ingredients. Originally from the small town of Bressanone, located in the Alto Adige region of Italy, Chef Laura was influenced at an early age by her mother’s 1970’s cookbooks and the intricate presentation of the featured recipes. Best Hotel Chef in San Diego

Fairmont Grand Del Mar: Executive Chef Dana Hauser

As the first female executive chef across the entire Fairmont brand, Fairmont Grand Del Mar Executive Chef Dana Hauser is a trailblazer whose career has taken her across Canada to Bermuda and now San Diego. In her new role at California’s #1 luxury hotel, she is currently overseeing the re-concept of Amaya, the resort’s signature all-day dining restaurant, from Mediterranean to Southern Italian.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort: Executive Chef Chris Aguirre

Chef Chris Aguirre oversees all of the resort’s restaurants and day-to-day culinary operations. He has deep roots in the restaurant industry. His grandmother ran a steakhouse in Texas during the Great Depression along with a speakeasy—so it could be said he was born for the culinary world.