Competing chefs vied for the Pinnacle Award and People’s Choice Award at the 18th Annual SoCal Chef Open at Peltzer Winery in Temecula on Monday evening, Aug. 11, all in support of Oak Grove Center to fund its programs that guide at-risk and special needs youth toward independence through hands-on culinary training.
Chosen by a panel of industry judges, the Pinnacle Award was presented to Executive Chef Taylor Israelsen from Truffle Pig Winery, with second place going to Executive Chef Chris Gimeno from Corbeaux Wine & Tea House and third place going to Executive Chef Ben Diaz of Cork Fire Kitchen.First place for the People’s Choice Award went to Executive Chef Chris Kavanaugh from Ghost Kitchen Crew. Second p
