Get ready Menifee, the best tasting event in The Valley is brewing! It’s time for the opening of Oak Grove Center’s 9th Annual SoCal Chef Open, an evening dedicated to Southern California’s most prominent culinary artists as they compete for two prestigious honors: The Chef’s Choice Award and The People’s Choice Award.
This spectacular event features twelve chefs: the cream of the crop from the most prominent local wineries, casinos, and restaurants. These few selected will come together to compete in creating their most delicious masterpieces.
Last year for the first time in SoCal Chef Open history, one chef was decorated with both awards. The Chefs and 600 attendees gave the most votes to Menifee’s own Chef Rosie O’Connor of Provecho Grill. “It was a shock”, smiles Chef Rosie. I know most of my co-competitors love their food. It was a blast to compete with them and an honor to win.
Those that have eaten at Provecho Grill know that Chef Rosie concocts mind-blowing Mexican food that can only be described as “Muy rico.” With over 700 reviews online, her infusion of Oaxacan flavors and homemade dishes have a reputation of their own (Side note: the Chile Gueritos and chipotle sauce will change your life). We take everyone to this restaurant, says a Provecho regular. We love the music, the food, and the atmosphere in general. Provecho never disappoints.
Chef Rosie’s culinary skills are well-known throughout the community. She grew up mixing and measuring in her parent’s restaurant, Guadalajara’s, which now has two locations in Lake Elsinore and Temecula. Although her roots are Mexican, she studied cooking from all over the world, Italy, France and Spain to name a few. Post culinary school she was an understudy to Chef Regina Mendoza, as well as mentored with top Chef Fabio Viviani and Chef Rick Bayless from Iron Chef. She also studied food photography with the well-known Carl Kravatas.
You may be surprised to know that cooking is not Chef Rosie’s first love. It’s second only to the love she has for family, friends and community. “This business is so hard, but it’s all worth it to watch loved one’s dance, eat, and share in the dream”, she says with strong resolve. Sharing the success is what feeds her. Her community donations were noted by President Barack Obama two years ago when he awarded her the Volunteer Service Award for activism.
The Chef Open 2016 has invited the famous Chef Rosie back to add her spice again, but this year she’ll be at the judges’ table. “I’m so excited”! She exclaims, “I can’t wait to make new chefs friends and taste their exquisitely prepared dishes”.
Philanthropists and foodies will join together for this highly anticipated night of good eats and good deeds. Get a bite with Chef Rosie and several hundred of your local friends. It’s guaranteed to be the most flavorful night of the year…and you just never know who may show up for dinner.
