The Westgate Room At The Westgate Hotel In San Diego, California: Meet The Chef

We sat down with Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel of The Westgate Room at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California.

Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel of The Westgate Room at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California

Where did you grow up, and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy? 

I grew up in Normandie, France in a small fisherman town. I’ve traveled around Europe, in France, Luxembourg, Germany and England, in the Caribbean, in Ecuador and around the United States.

The Westgate Room at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California

Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself.

I’ve worked with chefs from all over the world and shared different cooking styles and techniques. I traveled frequently at a young age which had a large impact in my cooking.

Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.

My favorite food is a seafood platter with a nice bottle of white wine.

The Westgate Room at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California

What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without? 

Three ingredients that I couldn’t live without are salt, pepper and Herb de Provence.

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We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?

For me, there is no perfect dish. I view cooking as a constant evolution and am always looking to evolve my technique as a chef.

The Westgate Room at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California

The Westgate Room at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California

Share your most recent awards and accreditations with us!

My greatest accomplishment is when I became the Executive Chef at The Westgate Hotel in 2001 when I was 29-years old.

What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?

A trend I’ve been seeing is the return of more traditional dishes, but full of flavors.

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What’s your favorite cocktail or beverage of choice?

My favorite drink of choice is a bottle of Burgundy wine.

Neiman Marcus

What do you love most about being the Executive Chef of The Westgate Room at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California?

I love being part of a great team with great owners. I’ve been here 20 years and I still enjoy it like it’s my first day. I love being trusted to create memorable experiences for guests’ on their special days such as weddings.

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