{"id":28551,"date":"2024-04-06T15:04:22","date_gmt":"2024-04-06T22:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dailyovation.com\/?p=28551"},"modified":"2024-04-06T15:04:33","modified_gmt":"2024-04-06T22:04:33","slug":"masters-of-taste-2024-executive-chef-bret-thompson-lucy-thompson-ramirez-pez-cantina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyovation.com\/2024\/04\/06\/masters-of-taste-2024-executive-chef-bret-thompson-lucy-thompson-ramirez-pez-cantina\/","title":{"rendered":"Masters of Taste 2024 Introduces Event Hosts Executive Chef Bret Thompson & Lucy Thompson-Ramirez from Pez Cantina"},"content":{"rendered":"
Masters of Taste 2024 Introduces Event Hosts Executive Chef Bret Thompson & Lucy Thompson-Ramirez from Pez Cantina<\/p>\n
Come celebrate and be part of the seventh annual\u00a0Masters of Taste,<\/strong>\u00a0L.A.\u2019s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on\u00a0Sunday,<\/strong>\u00a0April 7th<\/sup>, 2024,\u00a0<\/strong>from\u00a03:00 pm to 7:00 pm<\/strong>\u00a0on the\u00a0field of the<\/strong>\u00a0Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl.<\/strong><\/p>\n 100% of the proceeds<\/strong>\u00a0will directly benefit\u00a0Union Station Homeless Services<\/a>,\u00a0a non-profit organization\u00a0providing over 50 years of homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors.<\/p>\n Masters of Taste<\/strong> is introducing Chef Bret Thompson<\/strong> and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez<\/strong> as the Hosts<\/strong> of Masters of Taste<\/strong> 2024<\/strong> which also marks the 7th<\/sup> Anniversary<\/strong> of this celebrated event.<\/p>\n Masters of Taste 2024<\/strong> Culinary Master<\/strong> and Host Executive Chef Bret Thompson<\/strong> and Pez Boss Lady Lucy Thompson-Ramirez<\/strong> are a dynamic husband and wife team that have made a significant impact in the hospitality industry.<\/p>\n With their passion for culinary excellence and warm hospitality, they have created a signature name for themselves in the Los Angeles dining scene and beyond.<\/p>\n Chef Bret Thompson’s<\/strong> culinary journey began at the renowned California Culinary Academy<\/em> in San Francisco. He honed his skills at esteemed establishments such as Aqua<\/em> in San Francisco, Roy’s<\/em> in Hawaii, and Pinot Blanc<\/em> in St. Helena, California.<\/p>\n Seeking international inspiration, Chef Bret traveled to Spain to study under Chef Martin Berasategui at Restaurante Martin Berasategui<\/em>, a Michelin 2-star establishment in Lasarte, Spain.<\/p>\n He further expanded his culinary repertoire in Lebanon at Atlas Caf\u00e9<\/em>, then studied under Chef Bernard Loiseau at La Cote d\u2019Or<\/em> his Michelin 3-star restaurant in Saulieu, France, and then L’Arpege<\/em>, Chef Alain Passard’s Michelin 2-star restaurant in Paris.<\/p>\n Throughout his career, Bret also had an extensive tenure with The Patina Group, working at multiple restaurants, running catering operations and ultimately becoming the Corporate Executive Chef overseeing all restaurant operations for the entire group. While there Bret garnered accolades, including being named “Chef of the Year 2002” by the Orange County Business Journal<\/em><\/strong> during his time as Executive Chef at Catal Restaurant<\/em> in Anaheim.<\/p>\n Eventually, Bret moved on and co-founded and became a partner at the iconic MILK Ice Cream Parlor & Bakeshop<\/em> in Los Angeles and he also opened his own Market Restaurant and Catering<\/em>, which he successfully sold in 2014. This seasonal, modern, coastal-inspired Mexican restaurant and bar, located in downtown Los Angeles, quickly became a beloved dining destination and in October 2021, they expanded with a new location LA Burrito<\/strong> in Montebello, California.<\/p>\n Lucy Thompson-Ramirez<\/strong> brings her unique perspective and expertise to the front of the house at Pez Cantina<\/strong>. Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Lucy migrated to the United States with her family at a young age. She pursued her education at the University of Santa Barbara, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Spanish.<\/p>\n Lucy’s first career path led her into the fashion industry, where she excelled in sales and later established her own showroom with her brother called Siblings Showroom<\/em>. After a successful 18-year tenure in fashion, Lucy made a seamless transition into the hospitality industry alongside her husband.<\/p>\n At Pez Cantina<\/strong>, Lucy’s warm and welcoming demeanor shines as she personally greets regulars by name and fosters new connections. Her dedication to providing a home-like atmosphere has made Pez Cantina<\/strong> feel like an extension of their own family.<\/p>\n In recognition of her leadership and contribution to the industry, Lucy was appointed as President of the Latino Restaurant Association<\/a> in 2023 and serves on the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Outside of their professional endeavors, Bret and Lucy are dedicated parents to their two boys and they prioritize family time, often found supporting their children’s activities or enjoying a cozy evening at home.<\/p>\n In February 2024, Executive Chef Bret Thompson<\/strong> and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez<\/strong> opened Pez Coastal Kitchen, <\/strong>their new upscale seafood focused eatery in Pasadena. Offering a diverse menu featuring sea-to-table and farm-to-table cuisine, while showcasing the best of seasonal California flavors, Pez Coastal Kitchen<\/strong> highlights expertise in curing, smoking and dry-aging meats and seafood, as well as their partnerships with local farmers and specialty producers.<\/p>\n With a focus on creating a modern coastal dining experience, Chef Bret Thompson<\/strong> and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez<\/strong> continue to innovate and reinvent themselves and they aim to contribute to Pasadena’s thriving culinary scene and bring a fresh and exciting new concept to Pasadena.<\/p>\n Pez Coastal Kitchen<\/strong> promises a unique blend of California coastal cuisine, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, specially curated wines, special selection of craft beer and Chef Bret and Lucy\u2019s dedication to excellence ensures an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates vibrant flavors and genuine hospitality.<\/p>\n Masters of Taste<\/strong> 2023<\/strong> was a sold-out event that attracted over 3,000 guests and garnered media attention all throughout Southern California and beyond.<\/p>\n The seventh annual Masters of Taste 2024<\/strong> is also expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100<\/strong> Culinary Masters<\/strong> and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.\u2019s top Sweet Masters<\/strong>, top Beverage Masters<\/strong>\u00a0who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and top cocktail bars, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Some of this year\u2019s Masters of Taste 2024 <\/strong>participating Culinary Masters <\/strong>and Restaurants <\/strong>include:<\/p>\n Pez Cantina<\/a> Village<\/strong> and Pez Coastal Kitchen<\/a> Seafood Village <\/strong>by Santa Monica Seafood<\/a> 2024 Event Hosts Chef Bret Thompson & Lucy Thompson-Ramirez<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena<\/p>\n 1212 Santa Monica<\/a> Chef Oliver Malmsten <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Santa Monica<\/p>\n Arth Bar + Kitchen<\/a> Chef Mihir Lad<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Culver City<\/p>\n Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery<\/a> Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb & Chef Thomas Tilaka Kalb\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Pasadena<\/p>\n Alexander\u2019s Steakhouse<\/a> Chef Frederico Villanueva <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Pasadena<\/p>\n Ayara Thai<\/a> Chef Vanda<\/em> Asapahu<\/em><\/strong> & Chef Cathy Asapahu<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Westchester<\/p>\n BAAR BAAR Los Angeles<\/a> Chef Sujan Sarkar<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Downtown Los Angeles<\/p>\n Beachy\u2019s Food Truck<\/a> Chef Pablo Camacho <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 South Gate<\/p>\n BOX Chicken<\/a> Chef Noah Clark<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Los Angeles<\/p>\n Casa Cordoba<\/a> Chef Eric Zada<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Montrose<\/p>\n Celestino Ristorante<\/a> Chef Calogero Drago<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Pasadena<\/p>\n Cerda Vega Tacos<\/a> Chef Daniel Vega <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Santa Clarita<\/p>\n Champion\u2019s CURRY<\/a> Chef Yoya Takahashi <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Downtown Los Angeles<\/p>\n Chaaste Family Market<\/a> Chef Gabriel Esteban <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Pasadena<\/p>\n City Club Los Angeles<\/a> Chef<\/em><\/strong> Armando Quiroz <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Downtown Los Angeles<\/p>\n Emporium Thai<\/a> Chef John Sungkamee <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Los Angeles<\/p>\n Fat Boys<\/a> Chef Michael Gray<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Pasadena, Los Angeles<\/p>\n Gabi James<\/a> Sarah Gabriele & Adam Aro<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Redondo Beach<\/p>\n Georgia\u2019s Restaurant<\/a> Nika Shoemaker-Machado<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Anaheim, Long Beach<\/p>\n Granville Pasadena<\/a> Chef Marc Dix <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Pasadena<\/p>\n Gus\u2019s World-Famous Fried Chicken<\/a> Chef Mynor Espinoza<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Burbank, Long Beach, Los Angeles<\/p>\n Harold & Belle\u2019s<\/a> Chef Ryan Legaux<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Los Angeles<\/p>\n Italia Pasta e Pizza<\/a> Chef Ivan Capasso<\/em><\/strong> – Covina<\/p>\n La Boh\u00e9me<\/a> Chef David Gualberto <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 West Hollywood<\/p>\n LAVO Ristorante<\/a> Chef Luca Maita<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 West Hollywood<\/p>\n Lunasia<\/a> Chef Lee Han Fu<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Pasadena, Alhambra, Cerritos<\/p>\n MAMA M SUSHI<\/a> Chef Jack Supachai<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Pasadena<\/p>\n Marina<\/a> Chef Harout Borsikian <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Pasadena<\/p>\n Mercado<\/a> Chef Jose Acevedo<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Hollywood, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica<\/p>\n Panda Inn<\/a> Chef Yang<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Pasadena<\/p>\n Poppy + Rose<\/a> Chef Michael Reed <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Downtown Los Angeles<\/p>\n Rice Balls of Fire<\/a> Chef Jorman Herrera<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Arieta<\/p>\n Room Service Neighborhood<\/a> Chef Gloria Chicas<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Los Angeles<\/p>\n Santa Monica Seafood<\/a> Chef Sherrod Nichols<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Santa Monica<\/p>\n Soulmate<\/a> Chef David Joyce<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 West Hollywood<\/p>\n
\nIn 2015, Chef Bret Thompson<\/strong> joined forces with his wife, Lucy Thompson-Ramirez<\/strong>, to embark on a new culinary adventure as the proud owners of Pez Cantina<\/strong>.<\/p>\n