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 17^th Annual So-Cal Chef Open on Monday, August 12, 2024 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 500 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 Tuesday, June 25th 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 2024

CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS:
Kristi Piatkowski
[email protected]
Cell: (714) 260-2699

Early 2024 Participants:

• Executive Chef Matthew Steffen, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort (Past Pinnacle Winner)
• Executive Chef Ben Diaz, Temecula Creek Inn
• Executive Chef Chris Gimeno, Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
• Executive Chef Taylor Israelsen, Avensole Winery
• Chef “KT” Taylor, Eat310 Catering (past People’s Choice Winner)
• Executive Chef Ever Fuentes, Faulkner Winery
• Executive Chef Mario Amaral, Savage Chef Bar & Grill (Pinnacle Winner 2022, 2023)
• Executive Chef Justin Mabunay, URBN Market Fusion (Past Pinnacle Winner)

2024 Pinnacle Award Judges:

• Tony Lombardi, Lombardi Wines
• Henry DiCarlo, KTLA News
• Wing Lam, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos
• Raul Mora, Mazmex El Faro Seafood, Inc.