Meet Our Chefs, Brewers and Bakers

Get to know the masterminds behind the dishes from some of SCV’s favorite eateries.
Egg Plantation – Chef Anibal Hernandez
24415 Walnut Street, Newhall
661-255-8222 • www.eggplantation.com
Anibal Hernandez is such a huge part of the magic that is Egg Plantation. He has been with the restaurant for 12 years. From overseeing all of the preparation of the food to actually manning the Omelette station, where he can be cooking up to eight dishes at the same time, very few can do what Anibal does. His favorite breakfast to make is the Suzannes, a traditional Mexican breakfast dish. Anibal also loves to dance and spend time with his family.

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewery – Chef Martin De La Cruz
27746 McBean Pkwy, Valencia
661-263-9653 • www.wolfcreekbrewingco.com
Twenty-four years ago, Chef Martin De La Cruz started in the restaurant business.  A job became a passion as Martin worked his way up to chef.  Chef Martin loves to use his creativity to come up with delicious new entrées.  Wolf Creek makes everything from scratch using a wide variety of fresh ingredients. They are famous around SCV for items like their Flat Iron Steak topped with melted gorgonzola cheese, and their Cilantro Caesar Salad, a Wolf Creek twist on a traditional Caesar. We take our guests’ requests, new ideas from the culinary world, and combine them using Chef Martin’s skill and experience, to develop the Wolf Creek menu.  Wolf Creek is a unique dining, beer sampling, banquet hosting and catering experience in the heart of Santa Clarita, California. Discover their signature entrees served steaming hot next to a cold pint of their handcrafted ale and finished with house-made award-winning desserts.

Vines Restaurant & Bar – Chef Rolf Rothen
24500 Town Center Dr, Valencia
661-678-4044 • www.valencia.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining
Vines Restaurant & Bar is under the intense focus and guidance of Executive Chef Rolf Rothen.  Chef Rolf is of Swiss heritage, speaks four languages (sometimes at the same time) and his culinary training took place at five-star hotels in Switzerland, The Middle East and South America.  His team blends the best of the season’s bounty available on the market.  Chef’s philosophy is to use the freshest seasonal ingredients and let the food speak for itself.

Italia Panetteria & Deli – Chef & Owner John Magnanimo
27674 Newhall Ranch Road, #55, Valencia
661-294-9069 • www.ItaliaValencia.com
Chef/owner John Magnanimo of Italia Panetteria & Deli has been making meatballs and sausage from scratch with his family recipe as long as he can remember.  From start to finish, John trims extremely lean choice beef chuck roll then grinds and add spices before rolling each meatball by hand.  The sausage is also made by hand (hand trimmed natural pork butt) and ground on the premises.  There are no fillers or preservatives – just 100 perfect pork, spices and love.  This is the tradition of Old Italian recipes- simple, clean, juicy, tender, and flavorful.  Stop by today to take home some of their delicious offerings to your family.
Rustic Burger – Chef & Owner Alex Rush
24025 Newhall Ranch Rd, Santa Clarita • 661-254-1300 • www.rusticburger.net
Coming from a background of Asian cooking at Rustic Eatery, Chef Alex Rush found his calling in burgers and opened Rustic Burger. He was surrounded by the restaurant business his entire life. Rush uses his Asian style cooking in his burgers with the Kimchi burger, but also included on the menu are favorites like the Chili burger and the Farm burger. “The Cali burger is the most ordered item, but the Farm is what you’ll tell your grandchildren about,” says Chef Alex, who has successfully made his restaurant a fan favorite with Facebook reviews stating: “top notch grub in SCV. Alex is the chef and is creating a very cool vibe.” Comments like these would not be possible without the tireless work Rush goes through to put out fresh ingredients like in-house made bread and local burger fixings. “We make our hamburgers and buns in house, daily. Not many people do that in the country, let alone in the SCV.”

Parashars’ Indian Kitchen – Chef & Owner Poonam Parashar
28112 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus
661-263-2300
www.ParasharsIndianKitchen.com
Parashars’ Indian Kitchen is a family-owned authentic Indian restaurant. We pride ourselves with serving only what we ate growing up, cooking with only the finest and most natural ingredients. Preservative, MSG, and Frozen are not part of the Parashar vocabulary. “From my grandma, to my mom, to me. The food I serve in my kitchen is my heritage. I hope you enjoy our authentic recipes from all regions of India.” – Poonam Parashar, owner

Margarita’s Mexican Grill – Chef & Owner Maria Acevedo
23320 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia
661-255-1136 • www.margaritasmexgrill.com
Maria Acevedo is the owner and chef. Born in Baja, California and having traveled all throughout Mexico, Maria has never returned empty handed. She has a natural born talent in discovering unique dishes from each region of the country and the flair to make them her own.  Chef Acevedo’s favorite dish is the Ceviche and Shrimp Salad: A delicious blend of ceviche, shrimp, fresh citrus, onions, olives, cabbage, radishes, cucumbers and avocado, served over Romaine green leaves.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana – Chef & Owner Leticia Salazar-Hansen
23953 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia
661-259-9002 • www.saborcocinamexicana.com
With nearly two generations of restaurant experience Chef Leticia Salazar-Hansen has enjoyed making dishes that dazzle the taste buds.  Her family started a chain of Mexican restaurants back in 1970, and she opened SABOR, an upscale modern Mexican restaurant in Valencia over six years ago. Chef Leticia later opened another SABOR in Thousand Oaks. “My passion for food started early, when I was five. I’ve worked in every part of this industry: hostess, server, manager, kitchen, before I found my passion in the kitchen. We use organic, wild caught seafood, Midwestern beef, and have 31 items on the menu and 28 different types of sauces- each dish has its own unique flavor.”

Salt Creek Grille – Chef Ignacio Munoz
24415 Town Center Drive, #115, Valencia
661-222-9999  • www.saltcreekgrille.com
It was in 1993 when Executive Chef Ignacio Munoz made his start in the food industry. He and his brother opened up a restaurant in Mexico called The Red Enchilada.  After three years, he went to work at The Monar Bay Club in Dana Point, eventually making his way to the Salt Creek Grille family in Dana Point and then to Valencia, where he is currently the Executive Chef.  Hands down his most popular dish is the Cured Center Cut Double Thick Pork Chop, however Chef Ignacio’s favorite item on the menu is the New York Strip, 21-day dry-aged beautifully marbled cut of steak.  “I love food and the look on people’s faces when they love a new dish that I have created.”

LYFE Kitchen – Chef Kimberly Buchanan, C.E.C, C.C.E.
24201 Valencia Blvd. Valencia
661-259-5933
www.lyfekitchen.com/location/ca/valencia/
A Philadelphia native, Chef Kimberly Buchanan attended The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and graduated in 2003 with her B.S. in Culinary Arts Management. Upon graduation she moved back to Philadelphia and served as Executive Sous Chef at the Philadelphia Country Club. In 2005, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee and served in a wide range of venues from fine dining to healthcare foodservice. From 2009 to 2016, Chef Buchanan passed along culinary knowledge and tradition, teaching students at L’Ecole Culinaire, while serving on the American Culinary Federation Memphis Chapter. In 2016, she joined LYFE Kitchen as a Corporate Chef and is currently working to develop a small plates menu and expand our burger options, while exploring seasonal offerings for 2017.

Toppers Pizza Place – Chef & Owner Evan Jonker
23710 Valenica Blvd. Santa Clarita
661-222-7888  • www.topperspizzaplace.com
Evan Jonker, owner of Toppers Pizza Place in Santa Clarita, discovered that he is just as passionate about the restaurant business as his parents (who founded the company in 1990). He especially enjoys the community aspect of the pizza restaurants as a gathering place for groups and family occasions. Toppers pizza can be personalized to any particular taste choosing from more than 30 toppings, but Evan is particularly fond of Toppers Specialty pizza “The Hot Honey”- topped with garlic sauce, salami, red onion, fresh jalapenos, bacon pieces, and a honey drizzle, it hits a great balance between sweet and heat.
Stonefire Grill – Chef Aurelio Arellano
23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia
661-799-8282 • www.StoneFireGrill.com
Chef Aurelio lives locally with his wife and three wonderful kids.  He enjoys cooking, fishing, playing soccer and spending time with family.  Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Golden State Kale, Traditional Turkey Sandwich: All new to the menu, these three dishes are quickly becoming popular, healthy and delicious favorites at Stonefire! See what else we have to offer at StonefireGrill.com/menu.

The Oaks Grille – TPC Valencia – Chef Peyton Poulsen
26550 Heritage View Drive, Valencia • 661-288-1995 • www.oaksgrilletpc.com
Peyton Poulsen, Executive Chef at TPC Valencia, oversees the culinary direction for the Oaks Grille restaurant.  He first joined the culinary team at TPC Valencia in 2008 and returned in 2011.  Under the direction of Executive Chef Daniel Otto, Chef Poulsen continued to elevate his culinary and management skills.  Chef Poulsen graduated from Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in 2008, and specializes in farm-to-table cuisine. He offers an enhanced menu along with healthier dining options, including featuring several vegan and gluten-free dishes, using locally produced ingredients.
Lee’s Wine Bistro – Chef & Owner Lee
24510 Town Center Drive, Suite 310, Valencia  •  661-259-7754
So you thought Lee’s Wine Bistro was all about the wine?  Not so, Lee’s food menu will amaze you with reasonably priced delicious rib eye steaks, (pictured left) almond crusted salmon, or delicious pork chops served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables.  If you are in the mood for appetizers try their ceviche or gourmet cheese platter.  With one of the best wine choices in town, complete your meal with a glass of recommended by Lee.  You can find Lee’s Wine Bistro on Facebook and learn more about exclusive specials.

LE Chene French Cuisine
12625 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita • 661-251-4315 • www.lechene.com
Owner and chef, Juan Alonso, brings richness to his cooking that keeps his customers coming back for more, year after year.  Raised in the heart of France, Juan brings a wealth of culinary experience to the plate. Juan is celebrating 51 years cooking and over 35 at Le Chene. His favorite dish is Clafoutis Aux Cerises (Baked Cherry Pudding). This is the time of the year where store fruit is plentiful. This is a beautiful and delicious desert as well as also easy to make. Want the recipe? Write info@lechene.com.

Newhall Refinery – Chef Dustin Boole
24258 Main Street, Newhall • 661-388-4477 • www.newhallrefinery.com
Chef Dustin Boole was born and raised in beautiful, sunny, southern California.  So Cal being such a melting pot of eclectic cuisine, he learned he had a love for food at a young age. Dustin grew up with a family of diverse flavors; one side of the family being “foodies” gave him an understanding and respect for exotic meals and the other provided a different kind of respect for the more simplistic types of cuisine, whether it was “Beans on Toast” or “Bubble and Squeak”.  It was those early life lessons and time spent together that helped drive his passion in the future. After learning the base of all things culinary at Le Cordon Bleu, Dustin immersed himself into the world of working long hours doing food production and building the strong work ethic he carries with him today. From catering to the stars to entering the world of fine dining, Dustin’s passion for his culinary craft only grew as he worked his way to finding his true love, gastronomy!  And on any given day, you can find Dustin at Newhall Refinery concocting new and interesting dishes to keep you coming back week after week thinking, what will he come up with next?
Valencia Country Club – Chef Victor Davidson
27330 Tourney Road, Valencia • 661-254-4401 • www.valenciagolfclub.com
I began my career at the age of 15 but my love for cooking began when I was seven years old. Instead of playing outside, I was in the kitchen cooking alongside my mother. My grandfather was the Executive Chef at Burbank Studios, and also influenced my love for the culinary industry. After cooking for more than 30 years, I am a proud to be a passionate self taught Chef whose specialty is Cajun cuisine.  My favorite title, however, will always be dad. I am the father of three beautiful children. They see the love and passion I have for my career and I encourage them to always pursue their dreams.

Persia Lounge & Restaurant – Chef Mandana Mirbabak
24328 Main St
Santa Clarita • 661-259-4100 • www.persia-lounge.com
Persia Restaurant started in 2004 and was aquired by Mandana & Homayoun in 2006. Mandana, a licensed cook & baker from Iran, along with Homayoun knew they had to change the menu to make the food more authentic. With Mandana’s new recipes Persia Restaurant has successfully won several awards and has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in Santa Clarita valley. Mandana runs the kitchen while also following her true passion—professional cake making.  Come down to Main street stop by Persia Lounge & Restaurant to see what all the talk is about.
Southern Smoke BBQ & Brewhouse – Pit Master Angel Rivera
24255 Main Street, Newhall • 661-888-4585• www.ssbbqbrew.com
Voted élite Magazine Ultimate BBQ winner, Southern Smoke BBQ & Brewhouse is about to begin an expansion after only six months since opening and is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2016. Eventually, a Microbrewery will also occupy the new space. Southern Smoke offers the finest aged certified Angus beef, pulled pork, Tri Tip, Texas Hot Links and Organic Chicken. Our Pit Master, Angel, using our own dry rub spice blends and marinades, slow smokes our meat to ultimate perfection. We offer six house-made sauces to accompany your BBQ.  Co-owners Kaye Gardner and Sam Gardian are thrilled to have brought SCV real Southern style BBQ and traditional Southern sides with a gourmet twist. Add our 30 craft beer on tap in a casual yet upscale environment and we are sure you will have a memorable experience. We look forward to serving you!

TIburon Grill and Bar – Chef Jesus Ruvalcaba
19319 Soledad Canyon Rd., Canyon Country •661-673-5922 • www.tiburongrillandbar.com
With more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, Head Chef Jesus Ruvalcaba has explored several cuisines – from Mediterranean and Asian to French and Italian.  Finding his home at Tiburon Grill and Bar, Chef Jesus now concentrates on his specialty: American bistro meets Mediterranean flavor.  The Flat Iron Steak, for example, is highly recommended.  Grilled and served in a Shitake mushroom sauce, the premium choice meat is served with your selection of mouthwatering sides, including mashed potatoes, vegetables, creamed spinach or creamed corn.  In addition to this classic dish, Chef Jesus cooks up a wide selection to suite all tastes – from organic kale salad and coconut shrimp to smoked barbecue and kebabs.  Wrap up your meal by satisfying your sweet tooth at the gelato bar, and you’ll see for yourself that Tiburon Grill and Bar has it all!
Pho Sure Vietnamese Noodles – (L-R) Cienly Quizon, Dany Ly, Nina Tran, Luis Sosa, Juan Sosa
23876 Copper Hill Drive, Valencia • 661-257-3888
www.phosure-valencia.com
Pho Sure’s menu was created as a collaboration of two decades of Vietnamese cooking and dining experience between the owner, Nina Tran and her head cook, Danny Ly.  Both Tran and Ly have worked and co-owned other Vietnamese restaurants in the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys. Nina understands both her native and the American palate; as such, she is able to create a mixture of both traditional and contemporary items on the menu.

Pocock Brewing Co. – Brew Masters: (L-r) Todd Tisdell and Geoff Pocock
24907 Ave Tibbitts, Santa Clarita
661-775-4899 • www.pocockbrewing.com
Brothers-in-law, Geoff Pocock and Todd Tisdell, started making beer many years ago.  It began as a creative way to hang out together.  As their brewing evolved, creating recipes and brewing good beer together quickly became a passion.  In 2015, they took a leap and chased a dream by opening Pocock Brewing Company here in the SCV.  Geoff and Todd love experimenting with new and exciting flavors and then turning that into well-balanced, unique beer.  Come on by the tasting room and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can relax and have a nice conversation over some good beer.

Jill’s Cake Creations – Baker Jill Phillips Cox
26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita
661-291-2332 • www.jillscakecreations.com
Over 35 years ago Jill Phillips Cox began decorating cakes for her three young sons. This soon blossomed into Jill’s Cake Creations, a business known for their award winning wedding and specialty cakes in the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as throughout Southern California. Jill’s love for weddings is evident as she guides each bride and groom through the design of their wedding cake. Customizing their ideas into the perfect centerpiece for their special day. Her honesty and integrity permeate the business-artistry, creativity, and her quest for perfection are characterized in the quality of the cakes. Jill loves what she does and it shows!

H&M Cakes & Pastries – Baker Mandana Mirbabak
24328 Main Street, 
Santa Clarita • 661-259-4100
www.facebook.com/H-M-Cakes-Pastries-Catering
In addition to running the kitchen at Persia Lounge & Restaurant, Chef Mandana Mirbabak is also following her passion for professional cake making with H&M Cakes & Pastries.  What started as “referral only” cake orders has fast grown to a sought after business with detailed design elements and uniquely themed cakes.  With a true love for what she does, Chef Mirbabak shares her creativity through delicious bites of sweetness.  For the wedding or event of your dreams, call today to schedule a consultation with Chef Mandana Mirbabak, H&M Cakes & Pastries.

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