Born and raised in Schwerin, Germany, Chef Oliver Plust grew up in the kitchen always cooking with his mother. As early as 8 years old, he remembered always wanting to be a chef when he grows up. As cooking has always been his sanctuary, it was a natural step for him to choose this as his profession in life. Chef …

Born in Bogota, Colombia, Chef Felipe Gonzalez Varon moved to the United States with his family when he was just 7 years old. The foodservice industry has been a big part of his life since he was 15. After some time working, one of the restaurant owners noticed Chef Gonzalez Varon’s passion and dedication to the industry and asked if …

Formerly the Executive Chef for the Restaurant at the Getty, Chef Matt Lee has a quiet passion for culinary integrity and innovation. His exquisite eye for detail is evident in everything from his careful flavor composition to the stunning and playful visual presentation of each element on the plate. At 917, his facility with fresh, locally caught fish and other …

Chef Jeffrey Viviano started his passion for cooking in his grandparent’s kitchen which instilled a love for food and family at the dinner table. His family lived very modestly and used hunting and fishing as a food source, not just a hobby. Chef Viviano remembered always being very careful not to make a mistake in cleaning and cutting the fish …

Chef Adam Titze grew up in the Midwest helping his grandmother prepare the holiday meals for his large family.  It gave him an appreciation for work, and the attention to detail required to prepare meals on this scale.  And it inspired him to pursue his love for food on an even grander scale. Chef Titze began his pursuit as a …

Chef Greg Byma worked in construction throughout his early 20s until he realized his heart was somewhere else. He enjoyed the early memories of all the times he spent cooking with his grandmother and watching the joy in those who shared in their culinary creations. With the support of his wife Frank’e, he embarked on a new adventure to pursue …

Born in the Philippines, Chef Czarina Sico moved to the South Bay neighborhood as a child with her family. Some would say she was destined for a career in hospitality, as cooking and the memories created in the kitchen have always played an important role in her family. So much so, that Chef Sico credits her mother for not only …

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Chef Alejandro Martinez started cooking at the age of 16 with a desire to travel and see the world, putting aside law school ambitions. A part-time job in high school became his full-time career upon graduation with numerous positions in upscale restaurants and luxury hotels in Buenos Aires. In 1999 he worked for …

Chef Marcelo Rubio is a California native who grew up with an immense passion for cooking. Throughout the 20 plus years of his culinary career, he’s worn many different hats from Executive Chef to Director of Dining Services, Chef Instructor, and currently a Regional Executive Chef. In the past, Chef Rubio has worked with Nintendo of America and Disney & …