TASTE TRI-VALLEY RESTAURANT WEEK
CHEF SPOTLIGHT
Chef Elvin Sanchez
Executive Chef
Tides, Danville
Early Inspiration & Culinary Beginnings
Born in Honduras, Chef Elvin Sanchez discovered his love for cooking by accident. When he arrived in San Francisco at 19, he took a job as a dishwasher at Boogaloos, a popular restaurant in the Mission District. Despite speaking little English, he was drawn to the energy and creativity of the kitchen. Through hard work and determination, he climbed the ranks, eventually becoming one of the restaurant’s chefs.
His mentor, Chef Peter Hood, introduced him to hollandaise sauce, sparking his creativity and passion for transforming ingredients—a realization that would define his career.
Crafting American Comfort Food with a Latin Twist
Elvin’s culinary style blends American comfort food with Latin influences, creating dishes that are both familiar and soulfully unique. As Chef de Cuisine at Hotel Rex, he put his own spin on classic hollandaise, developing his signature “Sanchez Hollandaise Sauce”, which became a standout feature on the hotel’s menu. His bold flavors and inventive takes on traditional sauces set him apart, showcasing his ability to elevate familiar dishes with a Latin twist.
Now, as Executive Chef at Tides, Elvin continues to bring his personal flair to the Tri-Valley dining scene, celebrating his roots while reimagining classic dishes.
Beyond the Kitchen
For Elvin, the thrill of cooking comes from transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. At home, he enjoys making braised short ribs with pappardelle and never cooks without chili flakes or a set of sharp knives.
If he could cook for anyone, he’d choose his community, saying, “I would love to see their faces when trying the food.” If he weren’t a chef, he imagines he’d be in computer science, but his passion for cooking has firmly defined his path.
Join CHEF Sanchez AT TASTE TRI-VALLEY
At this year’s Taste Tri-Valley Restaurant Week (Feb 21 – Mar 2, 2025) Chef Sanchez will take center stage at the Taste Tri-Valley Kickoff Dinner, collaborating with fellow top chefs to kick off this 10-day celebration of food and wine.
