Join Us in the Kitchen for a Chef Chat 

Some things are a job, others are a craft. The difference is not the task but the enthusiasm, curiosity and creativity. Never is this truer than in the culinary world—from sourcing the finest ingredients to experimenting with new techniques, our culinary team never stops pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation. In honor of National Culinary Arts Month, we are excited to introduce you to two of our passionate Food & Beverage leaders who bring the art of good food and the soul of hospitality to life every day.

Dan Grunbeck, Corporate Director of Food & Beverage and former award-winning Executive Chef

Q: How long have you been in the Food & Beverage industry?

A: 22 years

 

Q: What do you love most about your role as a Corporate Director of Food & Beverage?

A: I love working in different markets and having the opportunity to create unique, localized menus for our guests. It’s a rewarding experience to embrace each hotel brand and each community, bringing their story to life through beverages and food.

 

Q: Tell us about any Food & Beverage trends you are seeing right now and how 24seven Hotels is embracing them.

A: This year, we are seeing an increased focus on beverage programs and food menus are being refined – more simple and locally sourced. Cocktails are being infused with teas and fresh vegetable juices and fusion cuisine has been on the rise.

We change our hotel menus quarterly to ensure we can tap into the freshest ingredients and latest popular flavors. Having both the beverage and food menus speak to the market while embracing current techniques, reflects travelers growing appreciation for cultural diversity in their dining experiences.

 

Q: What is your favorite menu item right now?

A: On a hot summer day, I love Aguachile with fresh Baja Shrimp paired with a Flor de Mexico cocktail. We make this cocktail with Mezcal,  Jamaica, Aperol and Agave Nectar then garnish it with Black Sea Salt and local flowers.

 

Q: As a culinary leader, how do you inspire your team?

A: I want to ensure every associate, Front of House or Back of House, puts their own signature on each drink and each dish we serve. It gives them a sense of ownership and pride in the experiences we are providing to our guests.

Augusto Caudillo, Area Executive Chef and local fan favorite chef

Q: How long have you been in culinary arts?

A: I have been in the culinary field for 22 years. Two years washing dishes, two years in culinary school and 18 years cooking and managing.

 

Q: Why did you become a chef?

A: I started helping a local caterer with events on the weekends to earn extra money and just fell in love with it. I quit my job as a technical director of a local news station and enrolled in culinary school!

 

Q: How do you describe your cooking style?

A: My cuisine is a mix of rustic and modern styles focused on California costal ingredients and flavors. There is satisfaction in creating simple, quality and nourishing dishes for our guests.

 

Q: What most excites you on your current menu?

A: I really like our Yogurt Marinated Chicken. It is local chicken from Jimenez Family Farms located in Santa Ynez. I love showcasing our local farmers.

 

Q: What is a typical day like for you and your team?

A: Each day begins with setting up breakfast service then I have meetings with vendors and work on ordering products. In the afternoon, we create food for our marketplace which rolls us into dinner prep followed by cleaning up and getting ready to do it all over again!

 

Q: Congratulations on your recent promotion! Tell us about your new role and what you are most looking forward to?

A: I am looking forward to the opportunity to impart my culinary knowledge and expertise to fellow chefs and cooks to help them grow and be successful. I also enjoy setting up systems to improve the quality of food and service which will be a fun challenge for me at multiple locations.

Let’s raise a fork to our passionate culinarians – your commitment to excellence turns every meal into an experience and every sip into a moment to savor.

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24seven Hotels