Show 359, February 8, 2020: Napa Valley Grille in Westwood Village Part Two

Ben Diaz of Napa Valley Grille“Combining local, seasonal ingredients, artisan products and an expansive selection of regional wine, Napa Valley Grille recreates the charm, bounty and palates distinctive of West Coast wine country in a sophisticated setting within Westwood Village.” Also available are several private dining rooms of varying sizes and attractive patio seating (an unusual feature for a Westwood Village restaurant).

“Born in Los Angeles, California, Executive Chef Ben Diaz has always had a fascination with cooking, which stemmed from watching his father (an already accomplished chef himself) cooking and making breakfast. Chef Ben is a graduate of the prestigious California School of Culinary Arts.”

“Chef Ben holds six certifications, including Master Certified Food Executive and Certified Food and Beverage Executive; he has worked alongside the world’s top chefs as a member of the Los Angeles Chefs de Cuisine Association. Chef Ben is also a published author with “From a Cook To a Professional Chef” a culinary reference book that Chef Ben created and launched in 2011.”

“With all this and more going on, Chef Ben also finds time to support local charities. Most notably are the Boys and Girls Club of San Gabriel and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Irvine.”

Chef Ben has worked in some of the best kitchens in town including The Silver Trumpet Restaurant, JW Marriott, Luxe City Center and Stockdale Country Club where the main focus was always on fresh, seasonal and locally grown produce.

Veteran restaurant General Manager and Wine Director, Brian Cousins, and newly arrived Executive Chef Ben Diaz continue…