So-Cal Chef Open

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Peltzer Winery, where top chefs compete for a great cause. Taste exquisite dishes, meet renowned chefs, and celebrate the 18th Annual event benefiting Oak Grove Center.

Oak Grove Center

Each year the greatest Chefs come together competing for the top honor and all for a great cause. Hosted by Peltzer Winery in Temecula, save the date for the 18^th Annual So-Cal Chef Open benefiting Oak Grove Center is Monday, August 11, 2025 starting at 6:30 PM.

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 taste the finest our area has to offer and meet some of your favorite Chefs.

CHEF ENTRY INFORMATION

Past Competitors & Participants:

**Executive Chef Matthew Steffen with Talia Kitchen (2024 People’s Choice 2nd Place)
**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 & 2023 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 Michel Malecot, The French Gourmet
Executive Chef Chris Gimeno, Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
**Chef Rosie O’Connor
**Executive Chef Matthew Steffen with Cork Fire Kitchen

**Chef Justin Mabunay with Urbn Market Fusion
**Executive Chef Dylan Soro, Soro’s Mediterranean Grill
Executive Chef Taylor Israelson with Avensole Winery
**Chef de Cuisine Armando Cota with Avensole Winery
Chef Giampi Giammanco Il Tramonto Ristorante
Chef Daniel Johnson with Naughty Pig Butcher Shop & Encased Meats
Chef Keion KT Taylor with EaT 310 Catering
Owner, Pit Master and Executive Chef Al Borda with HoBo’s BBQ
Celebrity Chef Aaron May with HoBo’s BBQ Team
District Chef Toby Traeger with HoBo’s BBQ Team
Chef Angel Tapia with Tap’s Taco Catering
Chef Luis Ortega with Burgers & Beer Temecula
Chef Kevin Grant with Oak Mountain Winery
Chef Andy Churchill with 8 bit Brewing Company
Chef Pete Lent with Pete’s Firehouse BBQ
Chef Martin Corso with The Chef’s GrilleChef Rachel Siripakdi with Bamboo House Asian Bistro