Meet the Chef series a treat for locals

Before Joseph Rivas was hired as the chef de cuisine at Sonora Cafe in Los Angeles earlier this year, he had the daunting task of tantalizing the taste buds of Felix Salcedo, executive chef for the Cannery.

But last month, the tables were turned, and Rivas was giving orders to Salcedo — his mentor — when he brought his Southwestern cuisine to the famed Newport Beach eatery for the first engagement of its second annual Meet the Chef series, continuing Tuesday with a visit from executive chef Creed Salisbury of La Habra’s the Cat and the Custard Cup.

The series aims to bring some of Los Angeles’ finest chefs to Orange County, offering a variety of new tastes to diners without the drive.

“It’s a great event because it brings chefs from the other side of town and gives them an opportunity to showcase their talents, and our chefs get the chance to be exposed to different cuisine,” said general manager Tom Anderson. “Not to mention the energy it creates in this restaurant.”

With his dreadlocks pulled back and colorful tattoos creeping out of his chef uniform, Rivas, 28, said he enjoys the opportunity to be in the spotlight, adding that he felt honored to cook beside Salcedo, whom he refers to simply as “chef.”

“The feeling I get when I am in the kitchen is the same as riding a roller coaster,” said Rivas, a graduate of the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena. “The adrenaline rush is so strong, and the positive feedback from the guests is like receiving a standing ovation.”

Salcedo doesn’t mind playing sous chef for the evening, emphasizing that he looks forward to the Meet the Chef events, striving to constantly learn from the modern techniques and tastes of visiting chefs.

“It’s a great thing for us to experience a new cuisine every month,” he said. “And it’s also fun for the customers.”

Dining from Rivas’ special menu at the Cannery in April, Bob and Gini Robins were pleased with the food, and especially grateful they did not have to make an hour trek up the 405 Freeway to get it.

“That’s what’s so neat about this; we can come here and just enjoy the food without going far,” Bob Robins said. “It was definitely up to our expectations.”

Along with the regular menu, Salisbury will offer Tuesday’s guests a selection of his California cuisine, such as caramelized sea scallops.

Future visits include chef Joe Miller of Joe’s Restaurant on June 12, chef Walter Eckstein from Lawry’s Prime Rib on July 10, chef Jared Simons from Violet on Aug. 7 and chef David LeFevre of Water Grill on Sept. 18.

The Cannery is at 3010 Lafayette Road in Newport Beach. For reservations and more information, call (949) 566-0060 or go to www.cannerynewport.com .