It has been said that meaningful work is a tremendous happiness and the new executive chef at AQUA by El Gaucho derives and shares that each day with his team and guests. Kevin Benner grew up in Bellingham, WA and his culinary journey began the summer after he graduated from high school. “I was searching […]
Stephanie admits she’s been a planner her entire life. “The most poignant advice I ever got was from my dad,” recalls Stephanie, who once told her, “Being a planner is great, so long as you know that life rarely goes according to plan.” Born and raised in Tacoma, her plan was to be a gymnast […]
Kaizen (改善) is the Japanese word for “continual improvement” and this philosophy guided Executive Chef Michael Jordan on his culinary journey from his grandmother’s kitchen to 8 years working with Emeril Lagasse, then as chef/owner of the renowned and beloved Las Vegas restaurant, Rosemary’s. Luckily for us, he has brought his incredible talent and leadership to […]
El Gaucho Bellevue’s new General Manager, Tivoli Shiosaki, grew up in a family with a deeply rooted culture of gathering around the table to celebrate and connect. Tiv, as she is known to family and friends, was born in Seattle and grew up in Arlington, WA with parents who worked in the restaurant industry and […]
If there’s one word to sum up Noel Romero, it might be “sweet.” Known for his love of key lime pie and bourbon cake with salted caramel ice cream, he not only has a sweet tooth, but fully admits he’s also known for being “the nice guy.” “I am sometimes annoyingly happy to the point […]
We usually present our blog features in story form but because this month’s employee spotlight is a former journalist herself, we thought we would turn the tables and put Gillian Duff, El Gaucho Portland’s newest General Manager, in the interview chair. What is your full name? Do you have a nickname/what do coworkers call you? […]
“Tat Tvam Asi” is taught to every Balinese child. “I am you, you are me,” or “Whatever I do to you, I do to me.” This philosophy has influenced Oka and his approach to every aspect of his life, including as a server at El Gaucho Seattle, since 2007. Oka hails from a small village […]
There was nothing special about the day that Lee Rousseau decided to walk into T.J. Maxx in downtown Seattle last spring. “I love going there to find inspiration for decorating,” she said, and an impromptu visit to the store was just that. Little did she know it would lead her on a journey to inspire […]
“You have to love what you do to want to do it every day,” is a favorite quote of Merica “Mec” Ocsan. As the newly promoted Events Director at El Gaucho Tacoma, Mec loves helping create memorable and special experiences for guests. Born in Manila, Philippines, Mec and her family moved to the U.S. when […]
CS Lewis said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” This quote is a favorite of Whitney Twede and sums up the way that she is constantly striving to grow and learn. “If I’m not challenging myself and growing, then I’m settling for less than who I am designed to […]
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