Casa Pacifica – You Won’t Want to Miss This Experience!

Join local Ventura County chefs from the comfort of your own home for an interactive virtual cooking class!

Meet Your Chefs

Chef Abdu Romero
Slate Bistro
Sunday, October 4th – 4:30PM

Chef Abdu Romero’s love of food has contributed to his unique signature style of International Flavors. He has traveled to over 18 different countries and has acquired culinary experiences from numerous regional chefs. Abdu, who won the Yummie Culinary Competition in 2019 has worked in some of the finest kitchens in Ventura County including The Tower Club, Bistro 13, Spanish Hills Country Club and as a private chef for various celebrities. We look forward to presenting Abdu’s culinary selections for your enjoyment.

Chef Nic Manocchio
University Auxiliary Services at
CSU Channel Islands
Sunday, October 11th – 4:30PM

Chef Nic Manocchio’s first Sous Chef position was working under Executive Chef Karl Holst, where Manocchio assisted in opening, Eric’s restaurant in Newbury Park. In 2005, he finished as a semi-finalist in “The Next Food Network Star,” before joining University Auxiliary Services at CSU Channel Islands as Executive Chef. Chef Nic also won the Yummie Culinary Competition in 2009, 2011 and 2012 and continues to be involved in the competition as a judge. With more than 29 years of experience in the culinary industry, Manocchio contributes his success to the many great chefs who served as teachers and mentors. He says, “Food is like a language and each culture has its own translation.”

Chef Alex Montoya
Water’s Edge Ventura
Sunday, October 18th – 4:30PM

Chef Alex Montoya started his culinary path at Spencer Makenzie’s and Zoey’s Café back when he was 17-18 years old as a prep/dish washer, and sometimes cook. He soon took a position at The Cave with the opportunity of working up the ladder. Before he knew it, he was given the opportunity to become Executive Chef. Not only is Chef Alex a 2019 Yummie Culinary Competition winner, he is now the Executive Chef of The Tastes & Tales Restaurant Group which consist of Water’s Edge Ventura, Waterside Channel Islands, Pita Man, Tastes & Tales Catering & Honey Cup.

Chef Julia San Bartolome
Sweet Arleen’s
Sunday, October 25th – 4:30PM

Chef Julia San Bartolome was born a natural in the kitchen. From baking batches of her families traditional Christmas cookies each year of her youth, to volunteering for food preparation at her summer camp, the kitchen has been her home for over 20 years now. Immediately out of high school, Julia enrolled in the Culinary program at Santa Barbara City College and continued her education in pastries at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Over the next 10 years, Julia would work her way through many kitchens including major hotels in Las Vegas, Northern California restaurants and Country Clubs. In 2009, Julia moved back to Southern California, joining the Sweet Arleen’s team. Side by side with original owner, Arleen Scavone, she competed 4 times on Food Networks “Cupcake Wars,” and was able to help bring home 3 wins for the bakery family. Julia was also a Yummie Culinary Competition winner in 2018 and 2019. Along with her parents, Roberto & Barbara, Julia is now a proud owner of her beloved bakery. Julia continues to run operations in the kitchen and holds Sweet Arleen’s to the highest standards, as it has been from day one.