Octavio’s culinary career was inspired by a chance meeting with chef Joachim Splichal during the summer of 1984. After that profound encounter, Splichal mentored his young protégé, first in the kitchen of Max Au Triangle restaurant in Beverly Hills, and then in France and Spain, where Splichal arranged for Becerra to work for two years in some of Europe’s two and three star Michelin restaurants. Shortly after Becerra’s return to the US, Splichal opened Patina Restaurant and Becerra again joined his mentor. Just one year later, he was named executive chef of the renowned restaurant. Together, they then opened the first of the Pinot restaurants, Pinot Bistro in Studio City, with Becerra as the executive chef and partner. Since then, Becerra has been instrumental in the success and growth of The Patina Group, playing a major part in the launches of each new restaurant. As Vice President, Chef and Co Founder of The Patina Group, Becerra supervised the daily operations of 12 of the 30 plus Patina Group restaurants. Becerra’s fingerprint on the culinary identity and brand of The Patina Group played a vital role in the evolution of The Patina Group.Becerra has also accumulated accolades from the critics. The James Beard Foundation nominated him twice for “Rising Star Chef Of The Year”, he has been featured in Bon Appetit magazine, and Nations Restaurant News featured him as one of the nations “50 New Taste Makers.” After sixteen years, Becerra departed The Patina Group to pursue his own venture. Steve currently spends 4-6 weeks per year in the important wine regions of Europe tasting professionally as well as shepherding clients through its great vineyards and cellars. Regarded as an expert on the great wines of Europe, he lectures and consults extensively for both professional and private audiences. He is gifted with a pitch-perfect palate, an uncanny taste memory, and an exquisite sense of inherent quality; he also possesses a rich story of life knowledge, wisdom, and judgment to draw from. |