Every year, the
California Travel Industry Association asks California food editors and writers to select a Chef of the Year. The list of winners reads like a who's who of California cuisine. If you've a serious yearning for the best California has to offer, this is a good place to start. However, the restaurant industry is a volatile one, so do be sure to verify that the winning chef is still in the kitchen where they won their award.
California Chefs of the Year
- 1996: Joachim Splichal, Patina, Los Angeles; Alice Waters, Chez Panisse, Berkeley
- 1997: Julia Child, Author/TV Personality, American Institute of Wine and Food, Santa Barbara; Jeremiah Tower, Stars, San Francisco
- 1998: Biba Caggiano, Biba's, Sacramento; Wolfgang Puck, Spago, Beverly Hills
- 1999: Gary Danko, Gary Danko, San Francisco; Tim Goodell, Dakota, Los Angeles
- 2000: Philippe Jeanty, Bistro Jeanty, Napa Valley; Zov Karamardian, Zov's Bistro, Orange County
- 2001: Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Yountville; Nobuyki Matsuhisa, Nobu, Los Angeles
- 2002: Michael Mina, Michael Mina, San Francisco; Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Santa Monica
- 2003: Martin Yan, Yan Can Cook, PBS
- 2004: Trey Foshee, Georges at the Cove, San Diego
- 2005: Carl Schroeder, Arterra, San Diego
- 2006: Erna Kubin-Clanin, Erna's Elderberry House, Oakhurst
