Who we are:
Ken Irvine is the principal of Irvine Hospitality Group, with more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (Class of ’88) in New York, Irvine was a student solicitor and class president.
In continuing his basic training in Europe he worked with Michelin starred Relais du Moujins in the South of France and in London, where at the age of 26 became one of the city’s youngest Executive Chefs at the Plaza on Hyde Park Hotel.
Upon returning to the States, Irvine moved from the Heart to the front of the house and was hired as the General Manager at various restaurants to complement his culinary experiences in order to assist him in the transition of becoming a restaurant owner.
This came to fruition in 1991 when Ken purchased Chez Loma French Bistro. At his restaurant Irvine collected many accolades including “Chef of the Year 2002” by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association (CRA), “Best French Restaurant 2003” (CRA), “Best Chef San Diego”, critics choice San Diego Magazine in 2004 and in 2003 and 2004 was nominated for “Restaurateur of the Year” by the CRA.
In 1997, Irvine opened his second restaurant, Chameleon Café. That year the eclectic venue was San Diego Magazines critics choice as “Best New Restaurant 1997”.
In addition to the operation of his restaurants, Irvine hosted and produced his own television series which appeared on Time Warner Cable Titled “Chez Chef Culinary Adventures”.
Ken Irvine also serves on various professional and civic organizations
such as the following:
California Restaurant Association (San Diego Chapter)
Past President, Current Director
San Diego Convention and Visitor Bureau
Past Board Member
California Restaurant Association
Past State Board Member
San Diego Hotel- Motel Association
Past Board Member
Coronado Visitor Bureau (City appointed position)
Past Vice Chairman
Coronado Chamber of Commerce
Past Board of Directors
Coronado Restaurant Association
Past President
Coronado Cays Cays Homeowners Association
Board Member, Vice President |
