Professional Spotlight: Chef Larry Banares

What do me and Michael Jackson have in common?  A legion of fans world wide?  Dozens of multi-platinum records?  Being a dancing machine?  Actually it's something almost equally as awesome, having eaten food prepared by Chef Larry!  A good 8 years or so ago there was a film premiering in San Diego by the title of "The Debut."  Being the first full length feature film to be produced, directed, and staring Pilipina/o Americans aired in theatres it was definitely a very momentous occasion for the community, and I had the privilege of being able to volunteer for the release at my local theater.  I remember it being very hectic and I was extremely hungry; I then see this delectable looking sandwich on the table in the mock "green room" that was created in the theater.  I plop down on the chair in front of the table and take a humongous bite in the (to this very day) most absolutely delicious sandwich I have ever eaten. 

Something that I neglected was the fact that the green room had window, unbeknownst to me the crew was conducting an interview with the lead actress, Joy Bisco, right in front of me and in the shot I was smack dab in between her and the interviewer in the background, munching on that mouth watering sandwich.  When they showed me the video they asked me what I was thinking because I had such a serene look on my face as I bit into the sandwich, what was on my mind?  A mantra of “this is the best *bleep beeped* sandwich I’ve ever had.”  They said to me “you know Chef Larry made that for us?”  Suddenly its deliciousness made so much sense.

Growing up in San Diego I would be surprised if there were any locals who have not heard of Chef Larry Banares.  Being a frequent guest on local ABC news as well as having his own show on our local public network, he is a definitive part of the cultural fabric of this fine city.  Being a lover of food and frequent watcher of the Food Network as well as any cooking related reality TV show, I have fond memories of watching Chef Larry growing up and thinking how cool it was seeing a Pilipino on TV and I can say that he’s been an influence into my current viewing habits. 

More than just a face on TV, Chef Larry’s been a Certified Executive Chef, culinary educator, consultant, and restaurateur for over 28 years.  A participant in the US team during the 1988, 1992, 1996 Culinary Olympics he’s won three gold medals and the special “cloverleaf” award for his work.  He’s served as executive chef for such hotels as the Disneyland Hotel, the Queen Mary, and Port Properties.  Aside from Michael Jackson and other celebrities such as Lea Salonga, he’s served dignitaries such as the Sultan of Brunei, former Philippine President Joseph Estrada and current President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.  Internationally recognized, Chef Larry has been a guest chef at Shangri-La Hotels and has showcased his cuisine in Manila and Hong Kong.

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Related Links

http://www.discoversandiego.com/features/cheflarry/index.html - His website!
http://www.sdcookingwithclass.com/ - Chef Larry is an instructor here!