INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
C-Suite Executive Chef
AlbertoVazquez
Mediterraneo
Directory of Culinary Operations
"The Recipe for Success"
When celebrated Chef Alberto Vazquez was appointed Director of Culinary Operations for the Westlake Village Inn property, he brought with him his uncompromising style of snubbing the typical conventions of cooking. “Mediocrity is an appetite killer,” says Vazquez. “My goal is to make my diners happy. And ‘passable’ doesn’t make them happy.”
While Vazquez oversees all culinary operations of the Westlake Village Inn, he cherishes his hands-on time as head chef of Mediterraneo, the Inn’s premier eatery. His recipe is simple. First and foremost, Vazquez has always been a champion for quality. “It’s sounds so obvious,” he says, “but it’s amazing how many chefs are naively content with sub-par ingredients.” Then add a generous helping of hospitality and mix thoroughly with inspiration and technique.
Under the guidance of his father, a professional chef, Vazquez was introduced to the kitchen at a very early age. He began to develop his technique and expand his skill set by working in top end establishments around the country.
He returned to Southern California, further refining his skills at Shutters in Santa Monica, Sherwood Country Club and Tuscany in Westlake Village.
His passion is on the plate. Vazquez is always excited about working in the kitchen, and he's an advocate for simple, gourmet dishes. “I enjoy creating new fusions of cuisines and ingredients, but I never let my technique over-complicate my recipes,” he says. “It’s all about proper preparation and good taste.” This philosophy has been the foundation of
Mediterraneo’s seasonal menu, one that showcases his global experiences and has diners returning for more.
