I am a young and ambitious chef with 15 years experience. I started at 17 dishwashing for a restaurant in Del Mar Ca for my father that was head chef. There I learned all the basic techniques one would get from a traditional culinary school and more. After leaving I worked in various restaurants in North county San Diego. Learning everything from smoked barbecue, fine dining, Italian, California cuisine and my favorite wood fire cooking. In 2016 I started at my current job at Jakes Del Mar where I moved myself up the ranks from a prep cook to lead then part of the chef team. 2020 I worked two jobs at Jakes and with a Michelin star chef Micheal Mina at international smoke just to learn. 2022 I started my own pop up business selling elevated Mexican food at local breweries, wineries, and events. I love to create and be hands on not a day goes by I don’t think about food or flavors it is part of my soul, and embedded in family. One of my biggest satisfactions is seeing an idea go from concept to making mistakes trying again then executing a perfectly well rounded and flavorful dish.

For me, cooking is...

Life. The most important people in my life cook, in my family nothing is more important than sharing a delicious meal.

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook at Bully’s North a restaurant that specialized in prime rib and steaks it was 50 years old when I left, unfortunately closed now.

A cooking secret...

Explore new flavors and never be afraid to try something new. You just might love it.

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Chef Ismael's reviews

4

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4 services

Trejo was easy to work with and put together a solid meal. The food was very fresh and flavorful. He was punctual and quick with communication. I'd certainly hire him again. (event was a small friends gathering - he cooked mexican street food for the five of us.)