Culinary Beginning:
Born and raised in Southern California, Chef Ben takes inspiration
from the ever-evolving culinary scene and melting pot of cultures
in and around Southern California. His passion for cooking comes
from watching his father an already accomplish chef himself cook
and prepare meals for his family. Chef Ben comes from a family
that has deep cultural roots which was enough to spur his interest
in becoming the best chef he could possibly be; growing up in Los
Angeles and experiencing all the flavors of the city have helped
shape and form the foundations of Chef Ben’s culinary philosophy
of old world flavors combined with modern techniques.
“An empty plate is your canvas and the food your brushes,
the outcome is the expression of your passion”
Haute Cuisine:
Ben has worked and partnered with various restaurants, hotels,
clubs and resorts such as Brookside Country Club where he was
the Chef De Cuisine at the helm, The JW Marriot Beach Resort
and Luxe City Center Hotel where he was the Executive Chef in
charge of multiple outlets. Ben’s ability to adapt and unique
cooking style has allowed him to use his talents in a multitude
of settings and as such has developed a positive reputation in
the industry as a culinary leader and powerhouse. As Chef Ben
continues to evolve and develop new partnerships his list of
clients grows to include more prominent venues and private
sector clientele.
“The sky is the limit when you are willing to work and
create amazing partnerships”
Entertainment:
In 2013 Ben appeared in “Chef Wanted” on the Food Network
and since then has made several other appearances on various networks
including “Cutthroat Kitchen” and a most notable win on Cooking Chanels
“Farmers Market Flip”. Ben has also been featured on news station KTLA5
and Univision, Ben has also had the pleasure of cooking for world renown
athletes, Singers and celebrities including Don Francisco, Pink, Migos,
Kobe Bryant, Blake Griffin, Kiley Jenner, Cardi B, Juanes, The Bella Twins,
Terry Crews, Gabrielle Union, Spike Lee, Jason Alexander and Dwayne Wade.
Tacos El Chapin:
A concept pop up taqueria focusing on fusion of modern techniques
with old world flavors. Tacos El Chapin provides specialized catering
services and is a brand that showcases some of the great flavors of
Guatemala, Southern Mexico and Central America and presents them
in a familiar manner which are approachable while keeping their
cultural traditions. Tacos El Chapin is currently operating on
private platforms with soon to be available to the public for
events and private tastings.
Especias Pura Vida:
For the past 5 years we have develop a great working relationship
with our industry partners and have applied our vast knowledge to
transform the seasoning game; Chef Ben Diaz presents Especias Pura
Vida a gourmet salt and specialty spice company to elevate your
taste buds. All products are available in a limited small batch
quantity to keep the quality and freshness at its peak.
“Life is full of flavor and we are here to help you”
CBDcuisine Consulting Services:
After years of working with some of the best chefs and in some of
the top restaurants in Southern California chef Ben started a
consulting firm to help operators and owners achieve their business
goals; with over 20 years of experience and over a decade in the
development scene CBDcuisine has become a respected entity in the
culinary community. We have developed concepts, menus, training material,
operating procedures and various recipes for our clients. CBDcuisine is
at the forefront for several business ventures and with our growing base
of culinary experts and partners we are paving the way to a better
culinary future.
Accolades & Awards:
Ben has competed in over 100 local and international cooking
competitions such as the word food championships and Cochon555.
Ben’s most notable awards where for chef of the year 2019 for the
chefs de cuisines association of California and best Latin food
chef 2018 for latinfoodfest organization. Some of Chef Ben’s
other awards include virtual champion food championships 2020,
Best BBQ champion LACF 2020, ACF Culinary Team USA recognition
award 2019, peoples champion culinary fight club 2017, made for
chefs grand champion 2015. Chef Ben has also been inducted into
some of the most prestigious culinary societies, Les amis de
Escoffier, Disciples of Escoffier, World Master Chefs Society,
Academia art Culinaire de’France and has received countless
recognition for his work with the community.