Q: So how did someone from Tuscany end up in the heart of L. A. at one of its top restaurants? Chef Fabio Ugoletti: After years of being a chef, I began consulting and training chefs all over Italy, and I used to teach at culinary schools, too, as a guest speaker....
This is your first year at OC Chef’s Table, yes? Chef Brian Okada: Absolutely! Water Grill was there last year and afterward, the chefs kept talking about how elaborate and amazing it was. They were totally hooked. So, this year I thought I’d step in and experience...
How many years have you participated in OC Chef’s Table? Chef Ernie Alvarado: This one in March 2020 will be our fourth year. It means a lot to me to be able to help these people, especially the kids. It just wrenches my heart when I hear what they’ve been through....
What made you choose a career as a chef? My parents migrated from El Salvador and I was born in East L.A. I grew up in Baldwin Park and really struggled. I didn’t even think I was going to graduate high school. One day, the career counselor called me into his office...
How in the world did a guy who grew up in Hawaii end up at the Duke’s extension in Huntington Beach?! Right! The Duke’s first two restaurants were in Kauai and Waikiki but I had to move to SoCal to cook Hawaiian food! I love it, though. I truly grew up in the culture...
How did you first get into cooking? Chef Alex Moreno: It’s in my genes. I grew up in the heart of L.A. – just my Mom and me – and she was always cooking for our relatives. Every weekend, she’d make a big pot of pozole and tamales. My first job was setting the table. I...