HotelsMag July-August 2014 | Page 57

F & B : CHEFS TO WATCH
Derek Simcik
EXECUTIVE CHEF , THE GOODLAND , A KIMPTON HOTEL , GOLETA , CALIFORNIA Derek Simcik describes himself as “ a government brat ” who grew up living in places ranging from Germany to Japan . Consequently , he finds himself most comfortable working in hotels , where he says he ’ s always meeting interesting people and has many chances to see the world .
Age : 31 Hometown : Athens , Greece
Education : Hospitality degree with a minor in culinary arts from the Art Institute of Washington , Arlington , Virginia
Career highlights : Being named executive chef at Kimpton ’ s Atwood Café at age 26 ; recognized among “ 14 to watch in 2014 ” by Restaurant Hospitality magazine
Best part of your job : “ The location is awesome . The Santa Barbara / Central Coast area of California is beautiful , and as a chef , the bounty is amazing .”
Biggest challenge as a chef : “ To constantly be creative yet approachable for all our guests . We have to be accommodating to our guests while cooking new and creative food .”
Why you became a chef : “ I have the opportunity to be creative on a daily basis . My day-to-day job is not boring by any means . How many people can say that ?”
Where you want to be in 10 years : “ Eating and drinking the same way I am now .”
www . hotelsmag . com July / August 2014 HOTELS 55