In addition to servicing events, weddings, groups, and meetings, with inventive culinary offerings, this new team brings forward an innovative approach to reinvigorating one of San Diego’s most beloved restaurants, Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining.
CARLSBAD, CA. – Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa nestled along the sunny Pacific Coast in Carlsbad, California, introduce several new members to its growing culinary team including John Hart (Executive Chef), Joshua Vinyard (Executive Sous Chef), Thomas “Tommy” Elg (Chef de Cuisine), and Jean Marie Verhoeven (Pastry Chef). Under the vision of Executive Chef John Hart and the leadership of the resort’s Director of Food & Beverage Charles Skipsey, the culinary team will continue to elevate all oceanfront dining experiences and food & beverage operations at the resort.
Executive Chef, John Hart (left) and Chef de Cuisine, Thomas “Tommy” Elg.
“The Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach culinary program has an incredible reputation among guests and locals alike,” said Thomas Lee, General Manager at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa. “The completion of this energetic and highly creative culinary team will allow for the resort to elevate dining and event offerings even more, with fresh flavors and distinct experiences that we know our guests will cherish.”
Executive Chef John Hart exudes passion and joined the Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach team after more than six years at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Prior experience includes leadership roles at esteemed properties including Westin Savannah Hotel & Golf Resort, Westin San Francisco Market Street, Sheraton Seattle, Marriott Louisville, Westin Long Beach, Westin Century Plaza, Beverly Hills Hotel, and Miramar Hotel Santa Monica. Chef John’s cooking started at home making meals for his family and blossomed during his 3-year ACF Apprentice Program, with his first foray into the professional culinary world taking place at the San Diego Sheraton Hotel. Chef John is back in sunny Southern California to share his talent.
Executive Sous Chef, Joshua Vinyard.
Executive Sous Chef Joshua Vinyard brings more than a decade of diverse experience to his new role at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach. Most recently, Chef Joshua was the Executive Sous Chef at Mission Hotel’s MICHELIN Star restaurant, Valle, in Oceanside, CA. Prior to his tenure at Valle, he was the Sous Chef at JC Resorts, Culinary Supervisor at Wally’s Beverly Hills, and Chef de Cuisine at Capital Hotel and Ashley’s Restaurant in Little Rock, AR. Chef Joshua flourishes most when innovating in the kitchen and his skills include training, developing, and fostering strong teams with a focus on quality and presentation.
A Carlsbad, California native, Chef de Cuisine Tommy Elg has worked in the culinary industry for three decades, creating standout dishes at some of the best restaurants in North San Diego County. Chef Tommy’s expertise lies in showcasing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to create vibrant menus. After beginning his culinary career in Anchorage, Alaska at restaurants including Simon and Seaforts, the Glacier Brew House, and the Regal Alaskan Hotel, Chef Tommy returned to Carlsbad and continued to elevate his career with kitchen manager roles at local favorites including the Carlsbad Brewery and Public House, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Jake’s Del Mar, and The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa.
Born and raised in Belgium, Chef Jean Marie Verhoeven has over 50 years of experience as a Pastry Chef and has a passion for creating innovative desserts at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining. Chef Jean Marie’s pastry skills developed during training at Roger Verger, a three-MICHELIN-Star restaurant and continued to flourish while working with well-known Chef James Boyce for three years. In addition to learning from acclaimed chocolatier Jacque Torres, Chef Jean Marie was the Pastry Chef at Rancho Valencia Resort, and the five-star restaurant, Mary Elaine. An homage to his heritage, Chef Jean Marie specializes in chocolate desserts and pastries.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
