Drawn to the kitchen from a young age, Chef Jesse Hansen’s early passion for cooking propelled him forward in the culinary arts. His mother recognized and nurtured his talent; she was “an excellent home cook, showing me how to prepare fresh vegetable dishes,” says Chef Hansen. “Every year she would take me out for a special birthday lunch, and when I was about eight years old, she introduced me to a sushi restaurant in Santa Barbara called Kyoto…as a little kid it blew my mind. I remember thinking how cool it was and it inspired me to get more adventurous with the foods I ate.”
Chef Hansen’s seafood favorites include sushi, spiny lobsters and Skate Wing. His suggestion to Santa Monica Seafood shoppers is to keep “an open mind and to seek the advice of the fish monger behind the counter… They will always point you in the right direction and then you can adapt your dish based on those ingredients.”
Hansen joined Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in 1997, beginning at the Hotel’s sister property in hometown of Santa Barbara. Since then, he has spent time at the Hotel’s locations in San Francisco, Toronto and Scottsdale before becoming Executive Chef in Westlake Village.
Hansen’s wife is also a chef, and together they experiment with creating healthful, flavorful and light dishes. “At home, fish tacos are my go-to, especially during the summer. I typically pair them with a citrus slaw, fresh corn tortillas and hot chilies for a little heat.” In his free time, Hansen enjoys an outdoor lifestyle and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
Two Dole Drive
Westlake Village, CA 91362
Ph. (818) 575-3000
http://www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/