Chef Richard Pelz

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

Growing up, Chef Richard E. Pelz learned a great appreciation of French cooking from his mother, and less than desirable wines from his stepfathers’ hobby of making Zinfandel and Cabernet wine in the mountains of Santa Cruz. Some would say, food and wine have been coursing through Chef Pelz’s blood most of his life. After graduating from the Culinary Institute …

Chef Quinnton Austin

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

Executive Chef, Quinnton Austin, is a celebrity status restaurant and hospitality professional. Making the trip from New Orleans, Louisiana to San Diego, California, Chef Quinnton, also known as “Chef Q”, brings a Southern flair to the local dining scene. With roots in Louisiana and early experience delving into the Bayou’s culinary culture, San Diego is in for a real treat. …

Chef Christopher Badilla

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

Chef Christopher Badilla was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Tustin, Orange County. His earliest culinary memories consist of his dad showing him how to properly clean the starch from rice before cooking it, baking box cakes with his mom, and helping set the table at his grandpa’s house in Washington. His grandpa “always had a huge holiday …

Chef Oscar Amador Edo

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

Raised in Barcelona, Chef Oscar Amador Edo fell in love with Catalonia’s rich culinary traditions at an early age. He grew up “10 minutes away from the Mediterranean where the quality of the seafood is unbelievable.” After graduating from the prestigious Hofmann BCN Chef School, he had the opportunity to stage at El Racó de Can Fabes, a three Michelin …

The Top 25: Seafood Sustainability & Conservation

smseafoodIndustry News, Special Announcement

By Madelyn Kearns September 24, 2020 Santa Monica Seafood Southern California-based full-service fresh and frozen seafood processor and distributor Santa Monica Seafood prides itself on being able to handle any specifications for seafood, with its expansive network of supplier sources and broad sustainability bonafides. A founding member of Sea Pact, Santa Monica Seafood has a foundation consisting of four key …

Chef Brian Smith

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

Brian Smith began cooking as a young child alongside his mother and grandmother. His grandparents had a house in Kino Bay, Mexico where they would often go fishing. Brian remembers catching crabs and digging up clams. He says, “the first time I had clam chowder was when I fell in love with seafood.” By the age of sixteen, Chef Brian …

Chef Christophe Breat

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

Chef Christophe Breat grew up on a vineyard in Burgundy, France, where he watched his grandmother prepare dishes using fresh ingredients from her farm. Chef Breat’s fond memories of his grandmother’s cooking inspired him to become a chef. Chef Breat earned his Brevet Professional Diploma from CFA Pierre Dufour Culinary Art Institute in Roanne, France. Upon graduation, he honed his …

Chef Ron Fougeray - Corp. Executive Chef

Chef Ronald Fougeray

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

Time spent at Philadelphia’s most famous restaurant; Le Bec-Fin proved instrumental for Chef Ron Fougeray. Considered an institution in Philadelphia, the restaurant was rated America’s finest French restaurant, and the Mobil Travel Guide consistently awarded it five stars for 40 years. During his tenure, Chef Ron was mentored by renowned owner and French chef, Georges Perrier. Georges left an indelible …

Chef Ben Diaz

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

Born in Los Angeles, Chef Ben Diaz has always been fascinated with cooking. He remembers walking on the beach to dig up clams and enjoying the aromas and sounds at the Long Beach fish market. His father, an accomplished chef, would prepare breakfast while Ben watched carefully. “Seeing the passion my dad had for his craft really inspired me” says …

Chef Miguel

Chef Miguel Angel Heredia

smseafoodFeatured Chefs

A native of Tucson, Arizona, Miguel’s first memories were of watching his mother make wedding cakes. He quickly fell in love with cooking and was always be in the kitchen helping his mother prepare the cakes. He also remembers having fun fishing with his father and brother in Mazatlan, Mexico. When he is not in the kitchen, you can find …