Artist @ At The Table

Enjoy a delicious, art-filled 5-course menu by renowned Chef Ron Oliver, inspired by one of the world's most impressive art collections. Featuring wine pairings from the Valle de Guadalupe, generously provided by Baja Wine + Food and private tours of the world's largest collection of African & Oceanic art.

When Chef Ron was a child, his family’s obsession with tasty food and their habit of gathering in the kitchen inspired Ron to start cooking. He spent hours in the kitchen absorbing the sounds, aromas, and orchestrated movements surrounding him. Those experiences started the excitement Ron feels every time he steps into the kitchen. “I can still close my eyes and revisit those very first impressions of cooking.”

Throughout his career, Ron has traveled the globe tasting, savoring, and noting foods of the various regions. “I traveled to discover native ingredients and cooking methods for my restaurants, but the perspective I gained on life was an ever bigger discovery. The idea that food is a gift from the earth, that cooking is an act of love, and that eating is socially unifying, are all concepts I learned through travel. Being able to share those experiences with others on a nightly basis as a chef is the best reward.”

Despite the global nature of his spices and condiments, Ron looks close to home for the freshest local ingredients. He works with farmers and purveyors, both big and small. “My favorite grower is Blue Sky Ranch, a communal farm in Lakeside that grows citrus, stone fruit and herbs specifically for my kitchen.” Ron says his higher culinary purpose is to support local schools and to teach food literacy to young people. “I try to teach today’s children that the earth will take care of us so long as we take care of it. That is a very basic idea that is easy for them to engage in.”

Chef Ron worked as Garde Manger Chef, Sous Chef, and Fine Dining Chef at The Peabody Hotel in Orlando. He helped open Roy Yamaguchi’s first mainland restaurant in Pebble Beach, California as Sous Chef. He ran the stoves as Chef De Cuisine of the iconic Marine Room Restaurant in La Jolla, California for 20 years. He now is a private chef and caterer, creating memorable dining experiences for all types of special occasions.

Proceeds support Vanguard Culture, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to advancing San Diego's creative industry workforce with award-winning arts coverage, professional development, and unique cross-industry events.

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