Follow these local top chefs and foodies for mouth-watering inspo and a delicious taste of O.C.’s culinary culture.
Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmadi are the power couple behind Michelin-starred French restaurant Knife Pleat at South Coast Plaza. PHOTO BY ANNE WATSON
Chef Tony Esnault is renowned for Michelin-starred French restaurant Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa, which he runs with his wife, Yassmin Sarmadi. Documenting stunning plates of French cuisine—from Champagne scallop emulsion to Cascade Creek lamb with fava beans—Esnault’s social media is not one to miss.
Vaca executive chef Amar Santana with chef de cuisine Edward Park at Illumination Foundation's Chef's Table. PHOTO BY WERKIT PHOTO
O.C.-based chef Amar Santana not only helms Vaca in Costa Mesa and Broadway in Laguna Beach, but he's also gained traction from his three seasons on Bravo’s Top Chef. Head to his Instagram page to see more of his bold and bright life, plus plenty of good eats.
PRJKT Restaurant Group founder Alicia Cox; PHOTO BY CANDACE ROCK PHOTOGRAPHY
As the founder of The PRJKT Restaurant Group, it’s no surprise that Alicia Cox’s profile covers a wide range of O.C. F&B, including restaurant reviews and drink recommendations. The summer season is Cox's time to shine as her Huntington Beach concession concepts are packed with beach lovers.
Chef Michael Mina at his latest restaurant in Las Vegas, Orla at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. PHOTO COURTESY OF MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
Operating over 30 restaurants worldwide—including Bourbon Steak at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point—chef Michael Mina is one to trust when it comes to good food. The MINA Group founder regularly posts the delicious dishes offered at his many eateries alongside celeb content and odes to his Egyptian roots.
Newport Beach residents are familiar with Riley Huddleston, the chef-partner at Lido House and vice president of F&B at R.D. Olson Development. The culinary entrepreneur busies himself with fine dining and mixology that he also happens to capture on his Instagram page.
From Bosscat Kitchen to Miss Mini Donuts, Leslie Nguyen has her hands full as a successful restaurateur and founder of Daily Dose Hospitality. Want curated content featuring sips and sweets and where to find them? Look no further!
For all things food in O.C., this highly followed Instagram account has all the insider knowledge of the area’s best dining destinations. The O.C. foodie page covers everything from bánh mì fries and fruity pebble croffles to sparkling soju cocktails and pulled pork nachos and beyond.
Connie Aboubakare thoroughly tackles the O.C. culinary scene through colorful reels, capturing the restaurant’s interiors, drinks, desserts, notable dishes and more. If you ever were curious about the county’s hottest restaurant spots, check out her page as a go-to review guide.
Chef Dusty V is a high-end caterer and yacht chef who takes the cuisine out of the kitchen and into fabulous homes and boats. Want to know what he’s cooking? His mouthwatering creations are showcased on his profile—think gluten-free “green monster” muffins, gooey butter cake, truffle pasta and tuna tartare.
Clean eaters will love Kelly Scott’s lively page of curated eats. Learn how to cook sous-vide lamb loin chops, shredded chicken chili, caprese arugula salad and so much more right from the convenience of her IG account. If you’re hooked, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for recipe content delivered straight to your inbox.
Doug Settle at the 21st annual Celebrate the Craft at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES
A West Coast local by way of Appalachia, chef Doug Settle's cuisine is rooted in fresh, flavorful and regeneratively farmed ingredients. While the chef operates out of The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, Settle also runs a tasting experience—Hearth & Harvest—in Oceanside. Head to his page for photos of his culinary creations and what he’s up to next.
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