Meet Our Executive Sous Chef, Jose Martinez!
Getting to know Executive Sous Chef Jose Martinez
Chef Martinez joined the culinary team at our own Firefly Eatery & Bar in summer of 2019 and has already become extremely popular amongst team members and guests alike! With his fresh take on our seasonal Chef’s Cooking Demos and obvious passion for the culinary arts, we sat down with Chef Jose Martinez and asked him a few questions to better get to know him.
Introduction
My name is Jose O. Martinez and I am the Executive Sous Chef of the Firefly Eatery & Bar at The Dana on Mission Bay in San Diego, California. I graduated from Culinary School in 1991 and have over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Describe your cooking style.
Classic & modern, simple yet fresh.
What drew you to a cooking career?
My father was an Executive Chef and I grew up in the business: cleaning the dining room, washing dishes and cooking.
Do you cook at home? If so, what’s your go-to meal?
I usually cook during the holidays, when all of my family members are getting together. Or during special occasions when they ask me to cook. I enjoy going to The Grove Steak House, they have a grilled artichoke with pesto aioli that’s amazing.
What’s the best cooking advice you’ve ever received?
One of my Corporate Chefs told me “Jose, never use shortcuts for cooking because the results are not the same. You can be the best chef in the world, but if you miss the bottom line, you are not good for the company.”
What’s your signature dish?
Chicken Saltimbocca.
Be sure to stop by Firefly Eatery & Bar and try one of Chef Martinez’s creations! Our hotel guests are welcome to tune in to our Chef’s Cooking Demos every Friday at 4 PM throughout Summer in the Firefly Gardens where Chef Martinez shows us how to make ceviche, ice cream, poke and more!