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URL: https://www.latinorestaurantassociation.org/chefmaker

⇱ Chefmaker

Become A Member

Become A Member

chefmaker

date: tdb

#Chefmaker

What is chefmaker?

Chefmaker invites aspiring chefs who have a delicious appetizer, entree or dessert concept in mind to apply for this innovative mentorship and business training program. In a competitive application process six food entrepreneurs will be chosen and matched with a local restaurant for hands on training in restaurant service, menu design, meal prep, staffing and customer feedback. The result is a one-night meal service to test market their dishes with their respective partner restaurants.

Following the restaurant tastings, the aspiring chefs, along with additional Chefmaker applicants, will receive one-on-one, no cost business coaching from the Latino Restaurant Association and the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network.

The goal of Chefmaker is to give aspiring restaurateurs access to the training and resources they need to jumpstart their culinary dreams after the devastating economic impacts of the past few years.

WHEN

TDB

Where

Hybrid with visual business
training and on-site restaurant

who

Open to based food entrepreneurs

connect

Honoring the rich cultural
heritage and bold flavors

last year Program Sponsors

Meet

THE last year MAKERS

Mirina Lobos

Aspiring chef

#1

Israel Sanchez

Aspiring chef

#2

Moises Garcia

Aspiring chef

#3

Jaime Kim

Aspiring chef

#4

Claire Risolli

Aspiring chef

#5

Checkmaker

restaurant

#1

Falosophy is a Lebanese Restaurant based in Irvine, California. Since 2014 the philosophy of Falosophy is one which couples the "love of life" culture and tradition of incredible hospitality with authentic Mediterranean food. It all started with a food truck serving falafel in Orange County. At that time, Rashad couldn’t afford a restaurant, but the Mediterranean ethos was always present. From day one, they have worked to make their food as authentic as possible to give customers the best experience by serving only items that they love and always working to improve their offerings. Falosphy prides itself by using the best cuts of meat for their shawarma and kebabs. Their branding and personality are upbeat and all about fun and enjoyment.

Chefmaker

restaurant

#1

PEZ CANTINA is the passion project of husband-and-wife-team Chef Bret Thompson and Lucy Ramirez Thompson located on Bunker Hill Downtown LA and Montebello. Inspired by their repeated travels to Loreto, Baja California, their vision was to bring the spirit and soul of the region and influence of Lucy’s Mexican culinary roots to a restaurant using Bret’s refined skills as a seasoned professional chef. PEZ CANTINA offers a cuisine that is unified by the heritages and experiences of both Lucy and Bret. Together they continue to innovate and elevate the LA dining experience.

Chefmaker

restaurant

#2

Falosophy is a Lebanese Restaurant based in Irvine, California. Since 2014 the philosophy of Falosophy is one which couples the "love of life" culture and tradition of incredible hospitality with authentic Mediterranean food. It all started with a food truck serving falafel in Orange County. At that time, Rashad couldn’t afford a restaurant, but the Mediterranean ethos was always present. From day one, they have worked to make their food as authentic as possible to give customers the best experience by serving only items that they love and always working to improve their offerings. Falosphy prides itself by using the best cuts of meat for their shawarma and kebabs. Their branding and personality are upbeat and all about fun and enjoyment.

Chefmaker

restaurant

#3

Chef Leo Razo’s VILLA ROMA Market & Restaurant specializes in the rich flavors of Argentine & Italian cuisine which combined, offer a unique, memorable dining experience you’ll thoroughly enjoy. From their handmade pasta and exquisite lasagna to meats perfectly seasoned, and prepared with delicious side sauces, this venue features a dining experience well worth a visit. Villa Roma also provides live music and attentive service in a great setting, guaranteed to delight from the moment you arrive ’til the moment you depart. But if you’re just interested in a quick meal, there’s an adjacent casual market & deli just next door. So whether you’re looking for a more formal dinner setting, or a light meal, you’re in for a treat at Villa Roma.

Chefmaker

restaurant

#4

El Portal Restaurant located along Arcade Lane in the heart of Pasadena's Playhouse District is one of the area’s most beloved restaurants! It features traditional Mexican favorites and specializes in the flavors and dishes of the Yucatán. Founded by native of Yucatán, Mexico, Abel Ramirez in April 1995, El Portal also features a lively bar scene at its Cantina Verde, which is a great place for meeting friends, watching Los Doyers and all kinds of deportes! We are so excited to partner with this home town classic and bring you a very special dinner!

Chefmaker

restaurant

#5

Traditional Guilin Noodle located in Monterey Park is one of the area’s most beloved restaurants! It features traditional Chinese favorites. The menu of this restaurant is recommended to Chinese cuisine lovers. Nicely cooked spicy beef, rice noodles and beef noodle soup have a pleasant taste. The House Special Guilin Noodles are an absolute must if you're a fan of spicy food, even if you can only handle a hint of heat

Tasters

Are you a foodie with a passion for finding your next best culinary experience? Then the Chefmaker experience is not to be missed. Chefmaker pairs six up and coming food entrepreneurs with local restaurants for hands-on culinary and business training. The result, a one-night only meal service you cannot miss!

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