If Elvis Presley’s list of gold records seems impressive, one local chef has received comparable accolades, albeit of the culinary kind. Bernard Guillas, executive chef of The Marine Room, 2000 Spindrift Drive, recently received the Grand Maitre Du Gout, Master of Taste Award.
“I was contacted several months ago and invited to participate in the International Corporate Chef Summit in Chicago, where 47 chefs were inducted,” Guillas said. “To be included in such a powerful group has been one of the highlights of my career, as well as a great experience to brainstorm with the elite chefs of our industry.”
The Taste Masters of the Chefs in America Awards Foundation offers the awards to acknowledge the craft, culinary presence on the local, national and international scene, performance of the restaurants, involvement and support of the community, as well as being an ambassador of the culinary art.
“The Marine Room restaurant’s mission has always been to be one of the beacons of our culinary scene,” Guillas said. “Under the guidance of Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver, our culinary team has made wonders. Our food style is Global Sustainable cuisine. Our focus has been flavor profiling, organic or natural ingredients, working with our local farming community, sustainability of all ingredients, education and upcoming, cutting-edge technologies.”
AOL Online Best Restaurant and Best Seaside Dining, Most Romantic Restaurant, Best Fine Dining, Best Restaurant in San Diego, Best Restaurant to Celebrate a Special Occasion, Best Sunday Brunch and Silver Fork Award are just a sampling of the acknowledgements The Marine Room has received under Guillas’ reign.
“To receive any reward and recognition on a national or international level by myself or/and other chefs, restaurateurs or hotelier is a grand opportunity to continue to showcase our city as a fantastic place to visit, dine and enjoy,” Guillas said. “My personal, longtime goal has always been to position San Diego as a culinary force. San Diego has many talented and passionate chefs, great restaurateurs and culinary specialists. All together we are creating a culinary buzz throughout the country and abroad.”
In 1994, Guillas joined La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, which operates The Marine Room, and took charge of all menus, wine lists and special events. He serves as spokesman for Macy’s School of Cooking, and is involved with the SOS Taste of the Nation, Celebrities Cook for Cancer and Mama’s Kitchen, which delivers meals to those affected by AIDS. His next mission is to launch a new restaurant and menu concept at the Shores Restaurant.
“All awards are special, and to be recognized by your peers and the people of this wonderful world brings joy to all of us involved in the making of this culinary journey,” he said.
For information see www.ljbtc.com.