Mainly Mozart’s Culinary Concerto Gala returns on March 15, 2025, at 5 p.m., promising an unforgettable evening where exquisite cuisine and classical music converge in perfect harmony. Set against the stunning backdrop of EVE venue in downtown San Diego, this event promises a one-of-a-kind experience for lovers of fine dining and the arts.
Curated by celebrity chef and best-selling author Chef Claudia Sandoval, this year’s Culinary Concerto, promises an unparalleled fusion of gastronomy, fine wine, and live music. Each table will be transformed into a personal stage for a celebrity chef to craft an exquisite four-course dinner tableside, paired with wines meticulously selected by renowned winemakers and enologists from Valle de Guadalupe to Paso Robles and beyond, creating a symphony of flavors in harmony with the evening’s musical performances.
Mainly Mozart has begun unveiling its stellar lineup of 25 renowned chefs, including these standout names:
Roberto Alcocer: Chef Roberto Alcocer, Executive Chef of Michelin-starred Valle in Oceanside, California, is renowned for his innovative approach to Baja Mexican cuisine. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens like Le Patio in France and La Broche in Spain. He previously opened Malva in Valle de Guadalupe and Sole in Mexico City. Chef Alcocer’s modern Mexican cuisine has earned widespread acclaim, including a James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef: California 2025.
Travis Swikard: Chef Travis Swikard, the visionary behind San Diego’s acclaimed Callie, has built a career defined by passion and culinary excellence. After training with Chef Deborah Scott, he refined his craft at the New England Culinary Institute, Auberge du Lac in England, and Michelin-starred Café Boulud under Chef Daniel Boulud. In 2019, Chef Swikard launched Callie, which has since earned Michelin Guide accolades and was named one of America’s best new restaurants in 2022.
Marcelo Hisaki: Chef Marcelo Hisaki, the creative force behind Amores Restaurant in Tecate, Mexico, artfully fuses Japanese and Mexican culinary traditions to create unforgettable dishes. Born to Japanese parents in Mexico City, his diverse culinary journey has shaped the innovative menu at Amores, which he co-owns with his wife, Chef Reyna Venegas. A member of Team Mexico at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or 2025, Chef Marcelo continues to showcase his dedication to culinary excellence and social impact, following his recognition in 2023 with the Social Commitment Award for addressing food insecurity among Baja California migrants.
Reyna Venegas: Reyna Venegas, Executive Chef of Rancho La Puerta and La Cocina Que Canta in Tecate, Mexico, is a celebrated culinary leader from Northern Baja California. Co-owner of Michelin-honored Restaurante Amores, she guided Team Mexico to the Social Commitment Award at the 2023 Bocuse d’Or and a bronze medal in 2024, earning a spot in the 2025 finale. With a Pastry Degree from Lycée Technique et Hôtelier de Monte-Carlo and training in Integrative Nutrition at UCSD, Chef Reyna blends her culinary roots with a passion for healthy eating, teaching farm-to-table cooking classes that inspire informed, wholesome food choices.
Zuzu Khawaja: Chef Zuliya “ZuZu” Khawaja, a passionate plant-based private chef and culinary creator, rose to prominence as the 2021 Top Chef Amateurs champion. Known for her vibrant Instagram community of over 200,000 followers, Zuliya shares her creative, plant-based recipes that prove healthy eating can be delicious and accessible for everyone. With professional vegan cooking training and a dedication to sustainable, fresh ingredients, she crafts dishes that are both nourishing and visually stunning. Zuliya’s mission is to make plant-based cooking enjoyable for all, from seasoned chefs to home cooks just starting their culinary journeys.
Bryn McArthur: Chef Bryn McArthur, Executive Chef at Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Amaya, brings over 30 years of culinary expertise from some of the world’s most iconic kitchens, including his tenure as Chef de Cuisine at London’s renowned Savoy. A master of French cuisine with a modern twist, Chef McArthur is dedicated to sustainable cooking and farm-to-table practices, crafting dishes that showcase the finest locally sourced ingredients. At Amaya, he seamlessly blends classic techniques with contemporary innovation, creating an exceptional dining experience that has cemented his reputation as a leader in San Diego’s culinary scene.
Drew Deckman: A culinary master whose journey spans continents, earning him a Michelin Star for his remarkable work at ‘Vitus’ in Germany. Deckman later established acclaimed restaurants in Baja California, including Deckman’s en el Mogor and Conchas De Piedra in Valle de Guadalupe, where he emphasizes sustainable, locally sourced ingredients honoring the region’s vibrant culinary traditions. In August 2024, Deckman expanded his culinary ventures to the United States with the opening of 31ThirtyOne in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood. At 31ThirtyOne, guests can expect a menu that reflects Deckman’s international experience and his passion for regional flavors, all within a setting that celebrates the connection between food, community, and the environment.
Complementing the world-class cuisine is an equally impressive lineup of wines. Guests will not only savor expertly curated pairings from distinguished winemakers, but will also enjoy the unique opportunity to connect with the chefs and winemakers, who will personally guide them on a captivating culinary journey throughout the evening. A preview of participating makers include:
• DAOU Vineyards (Paso Robles): Renowned for luxury Bordeaux-style wines and led by Marino Monferrato, Vice President of Hospitality and maître d’hôtel for 10 seasons of Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay.
• Hope Family Wines (Paso Robles): A third-generation winery with over 30 years of experience, offering six distinct brands and sustainably crafted wines that showcase the terroir of California’s Central Coast.
• Lechuza Winery (Valle de Guadalupe): A family-owned gem crafting soulful, small-batch wines under the leadership of Kristin Magnussen.
• Bruma Winery (Valle de Guadalupe): A visionary winery blending Baja artistry with Bordeaux expertise, helmed by acclaimed winemaker Lourdes “Lulu” Martínez Ojeda.
• South Coast Winery (Temecula): Known for its award-winning wines and dedication to sustainability in the Temecula Valley.
The Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra will provide a live soundtrack, enhancing the dining experience with classical compositions that resonate with each culinary creation. This fusion of music and cuisine exemplifies Mainly Mozart’s commitment to innovative programming, offering multi-sensory experiences that bring music, food, and community together in an engaging and inspiring way. Proceeds from the Culinary Concerto Gala support Mainly Mozart’s diverse programs, including the All-Star Orchestra Festival, Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra, Mozart & The Mind, and Mozart Binacional. These initiatives play a vital role in fostering musical talent and promoting cultural exchange within the San Diego community and beyond.
This is the event of the season! With last year’s gala selling out, tickets are expected to go quickly - so don’t wait to secure your spot at this unforgettable evening of culinary brilliance and classical music. Purchase your tickets now at mainlymozart.org/culinaryconcerto2025 and be part of an incredible evening of food, wine, and music that help fund programs that bring the arts to life for our community.
For the latest on participating chefs and event details, follow along on social media. Join us for a night of exquisite dining and music that promises to delight all your senses!
mainlymozart.org | 619-239-0100
Photography by: Courtesy of James Tran and J Kat
