Emily Brubaker

Chef Emily Brubaker is no stranger to glitz and glamour: she’s cooked her way through some of Las Vegas’ flashiest kitchens, held her own on Food Network’s Chopped in 2018, and is Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s executive chef, overseeing the property’s eight outlets. So when she got a DM inviting her to interview for a new show with the producers from Top Chef, she thought, “Why not?” NBC’s “Yes, Chef!” isn’t your average cooking show. Each contestant was nominated; in Brubaker’s case, her husband Jake threw her hat in the ring. (He’s also a professional chef at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.) The show’s judges, Martha Stewart (everyone’s favorite acid-tongued food queen, an Emmy Award-winning entrepreneur, and Snoop Dogg’s BFF) and José Andrés (globally celebrated chef, author, and founder of the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen), oversaw the 11 pro chefs through different challenges, all while offering advice and mentorship over 10 episodes. At the end of it all, only one chef remained—Brubaker. She took home a $250,000 prize.  Finding out she won the first season “was surreal,” she explains. She says cooking alongside world-class chefs—and getting feedback from Andrés and Stewart on how to navigate the stresses of working in high-stress kitchens—changed her life. “The pride of words from Martha and José—they’ll stick with me forever,” she says. The Yes, Chef! finale aired on June 30, but the fun continues at Omni La Costa July 11 through 13 for La Costa Legacy Weekend. Five Yes, Chef! contestants will join Brubaker to celebrate the property’s 60th birthday and host a weekend of vintage-inspired activities and dinner parties. Get the full story by @thedelightedbite with the link in our bio.

And the winner is… Chef Emily! 👩🏼‍🍳👑 We always knew she was a star, but now the world does, too. We’re beyond proud to have her on our team. Congratulations, @chefbrubs ! You earned that jacket. ✨🤌🏽 #attheomni #omnilacosta #omnichefs #nbcyeschef

Not giving away the mole recipe… but I am giving you a chance to try it 😆😝 Join me this weekend at Omni La Costa for the Chef and Friends dinner We I’ll be cooking alongside Chef Cameron. @chefsketch We’ll be cooking for the six courses including Mike Guajillo brace short ribs. Served over 47. Ingredient black Molé, A Poblano Vichyssoise, a Beet Aguachile with a pineapple leche de tigre, and my famous coconut horchata Panna Cotta. Link for tickets in bio

Join us this Sunday, May 17 at VUE Restaurant in Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, for the last “CHEF & FRIENDS” of the season. Chef Claudia Sandoval and Chef Cameron Dixon have put together a menu the bridges the gap between New Southern California and Old Northern Mexico. Modern takes on traditional execution that highlights the foundations of what we are blessed to enjoy today!! Bring a friend and tell a friend!!! MENU ON SECOND SLIDE. TICKET LINK IN BIO

VUE’s new summer menu looks good from every angle. 📸🍴 #attheomni #omnilacosta

Still riding the high from an incredible weekend @savoromnipgafrisco . Fire-kissed cooking, insanely talented chefs and mixologists, beautiful guests, live music humming through the night, and a firework finale that felt like the perfect exclamation point. Feeling very luck to have been part of such a top-tier line up and to share a little piece of what @chefbrubaker and I love through food, fire and hospitality. Events like this remind me why this industry is magic— a little smoke, a little music, a lot of connection. Already counting down to next year. 🔥 ✨ (If you can’t wait come down to @omnilacosta and let’s eat)

We’re officially closing out our spring Chefs & Friends series on a high note! Join us for our final six-course dinner of the season, inspired by flavors beyond the border with the amazing + talented @chefclaudiasandoval . 🔥👩‍🍳 Beyond the Border with Claudia Sandoval Sunday, May 17th, 5–7pm 📍VUE, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa MENU Amuse Roasted Poblano Vichyssoise Shooter bacon lardon, queso fresco, jalapeño olive oil Pairing: Hibiscus Spritz Second Chioggia Beet Ceviche roasted beets, shaved beets, leche de tigre, cilantro oil Pairing: Mezcal Chicha Morada Third Rock Shrimp Tostada mole amarillo, sweet pepper relish, avocado, queso fresco, blue corn tostadas Pairing: Spottswoode, Sauvignon Blanc Fourth Lechon slow braised pork, bacon, mustard sherry jus | pork rind | pickled apple slaw Pairing: Warm Añejo Cider Fifth Guajillo Braised Short Rib black mole, oven roasted cauliflower, squash blossoms Pairing: Siete Fincas, Malbec Sixth Coconut Horchata Panna Cotta meyer lemon curd, shortbread cookie crumble Pairing: Adelaida, Zinfandel Limited seats. Comment DINNER for the ticket link. #attheomni

We had the pleasure of having breakfast prepared by Michelin Chef @chefbrubs who is also Season One Winner of Yes Chef and featured on Chopped! Thanks @omnilacosta and @visitcarlsbad for this amazing opportunity! Thanks to @chefbrubs I now eat Avacado Toast and Smoked Salmon #travelbyshaiy #travelwithme #VisitCarlsbad #itsyourgirlshaiy #explore

“Mauritius & Delicious” I Had the distinct pleasure of curating a beautiful dining experience with the awesome @thechefzain at @omnilacosta We put together a menu the represented the heart and soul of the island of Mauritius, an island southeast of South Africa. Full of spices, flavor, wonder and beautiful life all around!!! Kitchen was a vibe as we discussed culinary nuances and the shared passion of Food as a whole. We share laughs and energy as we executed one of the most authentic and flavor packed dinners I’ve had the honor of being a part of!#chefsketch #yeschef #chefzain #omnilacosta #cheflife (photo/video credit: @chefbrubs aka Chemily)

However you decide to celebrate, Easter at La Costa is served. Discover all the ways to enjoy the day and leave a comment below to learn more. 🌷🐰 #attheomni #omnilacosta #easter #eastersunday #diningguide

@visitcarlsbad took over the @delish test kitchen to bring the sunny northern San Diego county to NYC! We spoke to @chefbrubs , the Resort Executive Chef of @omnilacosta , and witness the Delish test kitchen get transformed with surfing lessons from @surfsetnyc , a paint and sip station, and bouquet bar featuring all the colors of Carlsbad. It was nice to get out of a chilly mid-town Manhattan day to get a taste of a sleepy beach town over on the west coast, it’s all good in Carlsbad! @visitcarlsbad

Who’s joining us for Brunch Bash this year? 🥂🍳 We’re thrilled to host this annual celebration by @sandiegomag , where the best bites, sips, and scenes in San Diego come together for one unforgettable afternoon. Limited tickets remain. Tag who you’re bringing with you! #attheomni #omnilacosta #brunchbash