SHAWN THADEN
Shawn Thaden is a man of action. This energetic chef cannot be stopped once he puts
his mind to something. More than 14 years ago, it was this same resolve that made
him want to become a chef when he was bussing tables for a T.G.I. Friday’s
in Maryland. His ambition moved him to California, introduced him to Master Chef
Marc Gomez, and helped him acquire the skills he needed to make his dream a reality.
Now Chef Thaden can be found at Paisano’s Italian, where he settles for nothing less
than preparing the best Italian fare that Pechanga Resort & Casino has to offer.
Chef Thaden proudly displays his zeal for food in Paisano’s exhibition kitchen.
It is here that he draws inspiration from the surrounding diners to craft some of
the most exquisite gourmet dishes. On the opposite side of the coin, guests can
clearly see how devoted the lively chef is to upholding the Four Diamond standards
they expect when they enter his restaurant.
A graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Diego, Chef Thaden had to work his
way up the ranks at Pechanga before he took the reins of Paisano’s. Starting
in 2004, he built up his extensive knowledge and experience by serving as the Assistant
Banquet Chef, Poker Room Chef, and Sous Chef at the Great Oak Steakhouse.
“Evolution is essential to any chef,” says Chef Thaden. “That is why
I always push myself to think outside of the box and explore the infinite possibilities
of food.”