18th Annual So-Cal Chef Open
Monday, August 11, 2025 at Peltzer Farm & Winery, Temecula
COMPETITOR INFORMATION

Each year the greatest Chefs in the Valley come together competing for the top honor and all for a great cause. Join Oak Grove Center for the 18th Annual So-Cal Chef Open on Monday, August 11, 2025 at the beautiful and popular, Peltzer Winery in Temecula.
Past participating Chefs have been featured in several lifestyle magazines, television, local newspapers and received coverage from influential food critics and bloggers. Growing in popularity and reputation, the Chef Open is a chance to showcase your amazing talent and cuisine Tapas Style to guests, peers, food critics, and media. Selling out the past two years, we anticipate 550 guests in attendance.
The So-Cal Chef Open focuses around Chefs competing for two prestigious awards. The Pinnacle Award will be voted on by a panel of culinary judges and presented as the Grand Finale to the evening. A People’s Choice Top Chef voted on by those attending will be awarded along with a Second and Third Place award. Media Night highlighting participating Chefs will be held on Wednesday, June 18th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Danza del Sole Winery. We encourage you to reserve your spot soon to ensure your participation and the greatest coverage benefit.
Why Join? Listen to past winners and participants!
Chef Open 2017 Video
Event Fact Sheet for Chefs
Thank you again for your consideration. All proceeds through the event support Oak Grove’s Culinary Vocational Training Program preparing at-risk and special needs youth for employment in the Culinary field and independent adulthood. Your participation makes a huge difference in their lives and our community!
For requirements and to enter the Chef Open, complete the Application Form and submit it to the contact below. The earlier you register, the more coverage you receive.
Chef Competitor Application 2025
CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS:
Romy Fazeli
RomyF@oakgrovecenter.org
Cell: (949) 351-7124
- **Executive Chef Mario Amaral with Savage Chef Bar & Grill (2022 & 2023 Pinnacle Winner)
**Executive Chef Justin Mabunay with Urbn Market Fusion - **Chef Nana Michelle Ann Montoya with Nana’s Tamales – Catering by Michelle Ann (2022 People’s Choice Winner)
- Executive Chef Taylor Israelsen with Avensole Winery
- **Executive Chef Steve Bearse,with New Life Culinary Creations
- Executive Chef Michel Malecot The French Gourmet
- Executive Chef Chris Gimeno, Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
**Executive Chef Dylan Soro, Soro’s Mediterranean Grill
Chef Daniel Johnson with Naughty Pig Butcher Shop & Encased Meats
Chef Keion KT Taylor with EaT 310 Catering
Chef Andy Churchill with 8 bit Brewing Company
Chef Pete Lent with Pete’s Firehouse BBQ
Chef Martin Corso with The Chef’s Grille
Chef Rachel Siripakdi with Bamboo House Asian Bistro