Where to Find the Restaurants of Orange County's Culinary Stars
- Anne Valdespino
- Mar 13, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 2, 2024
You’ve seen them on reality shows, now check out their restaurants.
We’re a foodie nation and we just can’t keep our eyes off cooking shows. So, if you think you’re starting to recognize the faces of some of the contestants, you’re absolutely right.
As Orange County has become more of a dining destination, our talented chefs and restaurateurs have caught the eyes of television producers, beginning around 2011 with Lime Truck founders Jason Quinn and Daniel Shemtob’s win on “The Great Food Truck Race.” (Quinn went off on his own to open Playground in Santa Ana and its many iterations. Shemtob won “The Great Food Truck Race” again in 2021.)
From “Top Chef” repeat contestants like Amar Santana, to entrepreneurs such as Wing Lam, a founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, these stars are on a roll – they just keep popping up on the small screen. Heck, in a little more than a year, O.C. had three local “Chopped” winners by September 2020: Rachel Klemek (Blackmarket Bakery), Shachi Mehra (Adya) and Paul Cao (Burnt Crumbs).
If you’ve ever been curious as to whether their cuisine matches their TV rankings, here’s your chance to play judge. In designing this guide, we looked for chefs and restaurant owners who have appeared on national television programs whether or not they won their shows.
Many of these programs still live online so don’t fear you’ve missed out if you didn’t catch them the first time around. You can simply Google or stream loads of these episodes and cheer our locals on to victory or empathize with their heartbreaking defeats.
When you’re done watching, note their restaurants on this map and plan a visit so you can see if their dishes are as tasty as they look on TV.
Some chefs and owners founded these places, put their marks on the menu and then moved on. Others are still running the show and if your timing is right, you might find them out in the dining room visiting tables, and maybe even grab a selfie with a star.
A few notables, such as Chris Tzorin (“Cutthroat Kitchen,” “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown”) don’t have brick-and-mortar places yet, so we weren’t able to place them on the map, unless they’re doing regular pop-ups. And there’s really no official list gathering all O.C. personalities online, so you’ll have to let us know if we missed a favorite.
For now, Culture OC invites you to tuck in your bibs and make out your bucket lists. Get ready to add reality dining to your reality TV viewing.
The STARS and Their Restaurants
Click on the arrow next to the name for details.
RICK BAYLESS
A consulting chef when Red O opened in Newport Beach, Rick Bayless has starred in 12 seasons of his own Public Television series, “Mexico: One Plate at a Time.” He was also named the winner of “Top Chef Masters” in 2009. This restaurant offers margaritas, regional dishes and Cal Mex fare.
Red O "Taste of Mexico," 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
JOHNATHAN BENVENUTI
Runner-up on “Hell’s Kitchen” season 22, Johnathan Benvenuti is a Huntington Beach dude who worked at Trust in Santa Ana and now has a partnership with Mix Mix Hospitality. His new concept, Bar Becky at Remix Kitchen Bar in Long Beach, recently did a popup in Costa Mesa at Populaire and will likely return.
Bar Becky popup, 3333 Bristol St. unit 2601, Costa Mesa
RICHARD BLAIS
Former “Top Chef” contestant Richard Blais founded The Crack Shack which has a location in Costa Mesa. Although he’s no longer associated with the chain, he’s put his signature on it. He’s also founded a couple fine dining rooms farther south: Juniper and Ivy in San Diego and Ember & Rye in Carlsbad (temporarily closed). He’s appeared on “Chopped All Stars” season 14 and continues to pop up on cooking shows, as a judge and in other roles.
The Crack Shack, 196 E 17th St., Costa Mesa
NOAH BLOM
He founded Arc restaurants, then turned to politics and got elected to the city council of Newport Beach, eventually serving as mayor in 2022-23. Catch Noah Blom working with bacon as the special ingredient on the Feb. 16 episode of “Chopped” in 2014.
Arc Butcher & Baker, 417 30th St., Newport Beach
Arc Food & Libations, 3321 Hyland Ave., Suite F, Costa Mesa
PAUL CAO
In September 2020, Orange County chefs were on a Food Network winning streak with a third, Paul Cao, emerging victorious from competition show “Chopped” in a little more than a year. Until then he was best known as the chef from Burnt Crumbs whose spaghetti grilled cheese sandwich went viral. He’s also appeared on Food Network’s “Chopped,” Cooking Channel’s “Eat St.” “Junk Food Flip,” and Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food.”
Burnt Crumbs Irvine: 8549 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine
ALICIA COX
She’s best known as a premier concessionaire, bringing gourmet food and libations to the beach. Cox, the founder of Prjkt Concessions, appeared on CNBC’s “The Profit” as an expert, working with one of the contestants. She also has some other irons in the fire that might lead to another TV project, so stay tuned. In the meantime, grab a bite at one of her waterfront eateries: SeaSalt Burger, Beach City Provisions, Pacific Kitchen, SeaLegs at the Beach, Huntington Beach House, Sahara’s Sandbar & Pizza and California Fork & Spoon, which will open late 2024 or early 2025.
Beach City Provisions, 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. Beach City Provisions opens seasonally.
Huntington Beach House, 19361 Brookhurst St. #86, Huntington Beach
Pacific Kitchen, 17919 CA-1, Huntington Beach. Pacific Kitchen opens seasonally.
Sahara Sandbar and Pizza, 21601 B Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
SeaLegs at the Beach, 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
SeaSalt Burger: 18751 Pacific Coast Highway Unit #3, Huntington Beach. SeaSalt opens seasonally.
STAN FRAZIER
Stan Frazier, drummer and songwriter for Sugar Ray, proved an astonishing cheftestant, winning the BBC’s “Chef Race: UK vs. US” in its premier season. A self-taught cook, he wowed superstar judges Todd English and Richard Corrigan with his unconventional dishes like an eggless custard. Now he’s an owner in this local pizza joint with a musical name. Watch for the monthly specials, creative pies are offered for a limited time only.
Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza Store, 26601 Aliso Creek Road, Suite D, Aliso Viejo
Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza Store, 4533 Campus Drive, Irvine
Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza Store, 2300 SE Bristol St., Suite F, Newport Beach
Carlos Gaytán
Chef Carlos Gaytán's culinary story began while he was a boy cooking with his mother in Mexico. However his formal training began as a dishwasher, then on to the level of cook at Sheraton’s North Shore Hotel in Chicago. It was at this point when Gaytán began honing his craft from garde manger (preparing cold items such as salads and cheeses) to the role of banquet chef at the Union League Club of Chicago. A desire to focus on French cuisine had him working under Chef Dominique Tougne at Bistro Margot in the city. After his time at the bistro, he opened Mexique – a hybrid of French and Mexican cooking methods and flavors.
His determination paid off and Gaytán would earn his first Michelin star in November 2012 for Mexique, his previous restaurant in Chicago. It made him the first Mexican-born chef to earn this honor. “I’m incredibly humbled to represent my birth country and continue to reflect the flavors of my hometown in my cooking every day,” Gaytan said. Soon after in 2013, he competed on “Top Chef: New Orleans,” placing fifth.
In April 2024, his restaurant Ha’ in Mexico appeared in Michelin’s first-ever guide for the country, allowing him once again to celebrate his heritage. In fact, he couldn’t be more excited and deeply grateful for his team and all their hard work.
In the spring of 2024, Downtown Disney opened four dining outlets; three – Paseo, Centrico and Tiendita – are concepts by Gaytan.
Paseo, 1580 Disneyland Drive, Unit 106, Anaheim
Centrico, 1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
Tiendita, 1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
ANDREW GRUEL
Andrew Gruel founded the seafood chain Slapfish, which he eventually sold. He’s since opened Calico Fish House and has starred as a judge on “Food Truck Face Off” and has made other television appearances. Foodies might have seen him on the "Today Show," PBS, or the Cooking Channel.
Calico Fish House, 16600 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
BRIAN HUSKEY
A “Top Chef” contestant on season 11, Brian Huskey made a name for himself in Orange County with a locals’ hangout on the beach at Corona del Mar. Cops, surfers, high schoolers, even tourists in-the-know go for his elevated concessions fare like a Hawaiian Burger with grilled pineapple and spam or a Cali Cheesesteak with ribeye, crispy onions and jalapenos. Open Friday-Sunday only with breakfast/brunch/lunch hours.
The Jetty, 3029 Ocean Blvd., Corona Del Mar
RACHEL KLEMEK
Serious sweet-tooths get their fix at Blackmarket Bakery. Chef Rachel Klemek won her show appearing on Food Network’s “Chopped!” in season 43, episode11. She went on to compete in the grand finale receiving praise from stellar judges such as Martha Stewart. Cakes, brownies, breakfast pastries, sandwiches and breads are offered at her Costa Mesa shop; she has three more locations in San Diego County. Don’t miss the decorated cookies that change each season.
Blackmarket Bakery: 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa
WING LAM and ED LEE
With nearly 30 locations in Southern California, Wahoo’s, founded by Lam and his brothers, is a go-to in the Southland for a fish taco fix with more restaurants in Northern California, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas, Nevada and Japan. Lam has appeared on “Secret Millionaire” and “Guy’s Grocery Games.” Viewers also might have recognized him in season 13 of “Top Chef” in the crowd at one of the tasting events. He was also featured in “Undercover Billionaire” along with his brother Ed Lee. This map notes the original location in Costa Mesa. Seen in this photo are founders, left to right, Wing Lam, Renato "Mingo" Lee and Eduardo "Ed" Lee.
Wahoo's Fish Taco (original location): 1862 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa
For all locations, go to: www.wahoos.com/locations
BRIAN MALARKEY
Chef Brian Malarkey always brings big energy to the small screen with his upbeat personality and cool Cali punk looks. Viewers might have seen him on “Top Chef: All-Stars” or other shows and most recently on the Guy Fieri-hosted “Tournament of Champions.” His portfolio of restaurants includes Animae, Herb & Wood in San Diego and Herb & Sea in Encinitas. He opened Herb & Ranch at the UCI Research Park Campus in 2020, serving coffee and pastry, poke, paninis, salads and more from five stations. The ranch/modern farmhouse décor comes from the heart: Malarkey grew up on a ranch in Oregon and was a rodeo champion in high school.
Herb & Ranch, 5301 California Ave. #140, Irvine
NOBU MATSUHISA
He’s not often on TV but Nobu Matsuhisa has appeared on “Hell’s Kitchen” and “MasterChef Australia,” setting up a famous pressure test sushi challenge for cheftestants in 2019. Foodies might also have seen him on the big screen in the 2006 documentary, “A Day with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa,” or in “Casino” 1995), “Austin Powers in Goldmember” (2002) and “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005).
SHACHI MEHRA
Shachi Mehra appeared on Food Network’s “Chopped!” season 43, episode 7 which aired Sept. 10, 2019 and she won. Her signature style is authentic Indian cuisine with contemporary interpretations of Indian street foods: kebabs, chaats, biryanis, tandoori specialties and more.
ADYA, Anaheim Packing House, 440 S Anaheim Blvd. Unit 201, Anaheim
MICHAEL MINA
Michael Mina is the founder of Mina Group, which operates more than 40 restaurants worldwide, and two have earned Michelin stars. Mina first appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen” show and has since been a judge on “MasterChef USA,” season 11 in 2021, and on “Guy’s Ranch Kitchen” in 2019. His popular concept, Bourbon Steak Orange County, puts his spin on the American steakhouse fare with decadent preparations for steaks and sides along with craft cocktails.
Bourbon Steak Orange County, 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point
STEPHANIE MORGAN
Stephanie Morgan co-founded a food truck that appeared on season 2 of “The Great Food Truck Race.” It left a big impression with an all-female team that dished up a vegan menu. Now she has Seabirds Kitchen restaurants in Costa Mesa and Long Beach.
Seabirds Kitchen, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa
PETER PETRO
When a chef creates a menu that’s pure fun, he’s bound to get noticed. In 2020, “Food Paradise” aired a program titled “The Brunch Bunch” focusing on outrageous, Insta-worthy items, such as its Fruity Pebbles French Toast, topped with cereal and a burger piled high with an easy-over egg built on a ... doughnut!
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, 18169 Von Karman Ave., Irvine
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, 118 W Chapman Ave., Orange
JASON QUINN AND JUSTIN WERNER
Founder of The Lime Truck with Daniel Shemtob, the two won season 2 of “The Great Food Truck Race.” Quinn went on to found Playground and its many iterations in Santa Ana. Trust is led by Chef Justin Werner (“Chopped"), Detention is a membership lounge.
Trust DTSA, 220 E 4th St., Santa Ana
MICHAEL REED
Michael Reed and his wife Kwini Reed opened Poppy & Seed in 2021 at Farmers Park in the Anaheim Packing District. He’s chef-owner of hit restaurant Poppy + Rose in Los Angeles, but she had roots in Orange County so when it came time to expand, they opened their second restaurant to be closer to her family. Michael Reed recently appeared on season 5 of the Guy Fieri-hosted “Tournament of Champions.” After winning a qualifying round he was knocked out by reigning champion Mei Lin, but judges gave him points for his creativity. With his cool head and his gift for innovation, we expect to see him on more competition shows.
Poppy & Seed, 350 S Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim
JESSICA ROY
It seems she’s been in the winner’s circle more often than not. Jessica Roy was the victor in TNT’s “On the Menu” in 2014 and in 2019 on Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games.” Now she’s cooking at 608 Dahlia, a boutique garden restaurant focusing on seasonality. It’s set in the Sherman Library and Gardens.
608 Dahlia, Sherman Library and Gardens, 608 Dahlia Ave., Corona Del Mar
AMAR SANTANA
Santana was the runner up on “Top Chef” Season 13 and walked away with the fan favorite award on “Top Chef: World All-Stars” Season 20. He's acted as a judge on the show and insiders say he will likely appear on the upcoming season as well. He also starred in “Korean Food Battle” in 2018.
His restaurant, Broadway by Amar Santana is like a trip to New York, with innovative dishes, craft cocktails and an outstanding wine list.
Broadway by Amar Santana, 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach
His restaurant Vaca transports diners to Spain with paellas, tapas and charcuteria. Don’t leave without trying the signature cocktail, a frozen Vaca Tonic laced with gin and garnished with basil blossoms.
Vaca, 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 170, Costa Mesa
DANIEL SHEMTOB
He founded The Lime Truck with Jason Quinn, then started his Born from the Lime Truck brand specializing in Cali-Mex cuisine. He’s a two-time winner of “The Great Food Truck Race” (2011) and 2021 in the all-stars show.
The Lime Truck Southern California, 16211 Construction Circle W, Irvine
NANCY SILVERTON
Superstar pastry chef Nancy Silverton got her first big break as Spago’s opening pastry chef with Wolfgang Puck, Campanile followed, and she founded La Brea Bakery. Get a taste of her stellar cuisine at Pizzeria Mozza in Newport Beach. Foodies will often see her as a judge on “Top Chef.”
Pizzeria Mozza, 800 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach
JASON TRIAIL
Jason Triail, Director of Culinary Innovation for all of The Habit Burger Grill, competed on Food Network's “Supermarket Stakeout,” finishing third on season 4, episode 13. Founded in Santa Barbara, the burger chain now has loads of locations in California with more than 20 in O.C., this one is the first in our county. It offers burgers with fresh ingredients like the Santa Barbara Char with two chargrilled beef patties, avocado, caramelized onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo on grilled sourdough.
The Habit Burger, 2777 N Main St C-1, Santa Ana
WINNIE YEE-LAKHANI
When pitmasters compete, they want to be noticed by Mr. Barbecue himself, Bobby Flay. Winnie Yee-Lakhani made it to the finals on Flay’s “BBQ Brawl” and this month opened her brick-and-mortar restaurant in Garden Grove. She draws on her Asian heritage for her barbecue with an emphasis on Chinese and Malaysian techniques and ingredients. She’s also appeared on “Chopped.”
Smoke Queen Barbecue, 12941 9th St, Garden Grove
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