16th Annual So-Cal Chef Open
Monday, August 14, 2023 at Peltzer Farms, 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 16th Annual So-Cal Chef Open on Monday, August 14, 2023 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. 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
Chef Competitor Registration 2023
For requirements and to enter the Chef Open, complete the Registration Form and submit it to the contact below. The earlier you register, the more coverage you receive. Be sure to register before June 7th Media Preview Night where participating Chefs are highlighted.
CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS:
Kristi Piatkowski
KristiP@oakgrovecenter.org
Cell: (714) 260-2699
2023 Judging Panel:
- Executive Chef Roberto Alcocer, Valle
- Corporate Executive Chef Jarrod Moiles, Lakehouse Resort and Belmont Park Cannonball
- Executive Sous Chef Kaitlyn Weber, The Lodge at Torrey Pines
- Jack Ford, Farmer, Cheese Maker, Educator and Advocate for all things local
- Honorary Judge and Master of Ceremonies, Henry Dicarlo with KTLA 5 Morning News
- **Executive Chef Mario Amaral with Savage Chef Bar & Grill (2022 Pinnacle Winner)
- **Executive Chef Matthew Steffen with Cork Fire Kitchen
**Executive Chef Justin Mabunay with Urbn Market Fusion - **Executive Chef Dylan Soro, Soro’s Mediterranean Grill and Savage Chef Bar & Grill
- **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
- Chef Keion “KT” Taylor with EaT 310 Catering
- Chef Steven Moore, Trendy Chef and Battered Up
- Chef Daniel Johnson with Naughty Pig Butchery
- Pitmaster/Chef Robert Johns, OLD MAN GRILLIN’ and The Chain Smokers
- Executive Chef Ben Diaz with Leoness Cellars
- Executive Chef Michel Malecot, The French Gourmet
- Executive Chef Chris Gimeno, Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
- **Executive Chef Armando Cota
Some Past Competitors & Winners:
**Chef Justin Mabunay with Urbn Market Fusion
**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
Celebrity Chef Aaron May with HoBo’s BBQ Team
District Chef Toby Traeger with HoBo’s BBQ Team
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