Outstanding in the Field
Get to Know your Chefs
Zarah Khan
Zarah joined the celebrated, critically-acclaimed Rustic Canyon as Executive Chef in October '22 where her passion for vegetable-centric cooking is shared with the restaurant’s Chef/Co Owner Jeremy Fox. The daughter of a Pakistani mother and German father, Zarah brings a deeply personal and unique approach to Rustic Canyon’s cuisine.
Tolu Erogbogbo
Jared Simons
Restaurant Argento
Chef Jared Simons was brought on to helm the culinary program at Nic's On Beverly in June 2022 after establishing himself in the LA dining scene through his casual eatery, Violet. With a desire to expand beyond Beverly Blvd, Simons has signed on to oversee the kitchen of the upcoming Argento in the Silverlake neighborhood.
Javier Plascencia
Javier Plascencia is a proud ambassador of his home state of Baja California, México and an ardent promoter of local products sourced sustainably. He owns and operates Erizo and Caffe Saverios in Tijuana. His most recent project, Animalón by the Sea brings the Valle de Guadalupe concept to the Sea of Cortez.
Monty Koludrovic
Monty Koludrovic moved from Bondi Beach with his family to take on the dining scene in Los Angeles, fronting Botanical Hospitality Group as Culinary Director. The first venue to open was Strings of Life Café on Melrose before relaunching the stalwart EP/LP. In 2021, he assumed his role as Executive Chef of Grandmaster Recorders.
Rene Andrade + Derek Christianson
Nogales, Sonora-born Rene Andrade and Sonoran desert-born Derek Christensen are bringing their culinary force to The Rose Garden. Derek has spent years traveling the world exploring his culinary skills and Rene has been internationally recognized for his own revolutionary concept.
