Chef's Bio

Now a gourmet chef comfortable preparing the finest quality food, Chef Richard Ortiz grew up working in his parents' family restaurant, El Chorito, in Santa Paula, California. Chef Richard's education in French food began in the late 1970s when he trained under European chefs at the exclusive Kiva Club in Phoenix and Hermosa Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. In the '80s, Chef Richard continued his training in French food under Cordon Bleu Chef Irving "Herb" Finger while working as Sous Chef at Larry Blake's Brewster House in Davis, California. Chef Richard has also held chef positions in Southern California with Marriott Hotels, Hilton Hotels, and Black Angus Restaurants.