CHEF MARTIN VENEGAS
As the new head chef at the Great Oak Steakhouse, Pechanga Resort & Casino’s premiere fine dining restaurant, Martin Venegas brings with him more than twenty years of experience. Most recently as the executive chef of Donovan’s, one of the most successful steakhouses in all of Southern California, the restaurant received gold medallion awards, “Best of” and “Best Steakhouse” awards for several publications over the course of a decade. Before that, Martin worked at JC Resorts’ Four-Diamond properties in San Diego, CA.
Martin’s philosophy to cooking is no secret: it starts with a quality product and ends with proper execution to elicit the best natural flavors, choosing the right ingredients to enhance, not change, the flavor profile.
Chef Venegas knows the demands of the restaurant industry, as well as the rewards for providing an extravagant meal that many people only treat themselves to once or twice a year.
“Providing a great dining experience for your guests on their special day is beyond words,” said Venegas. “It is very fulfilling and gratifying.”
Martin believes that in order to overcome the daily challenges and stress that come with running the premiere kitchen at one of the world’s largest casino resorts, he must live an active lifestyle, enjoying outdoor activities and sports. His favorite pastime is also America’s baseball.