Juan M. Lopez has been appointed Executive Chef at Hilton Anaheim
Orange County's largest property, Hilton Anaheim is proud to announce the promotion of chef Juan M. Lopez to executive chef. Building upon his 36-year tenure at the 1,572 room property, chef Lopez will continue to oversee all culinary operations for Hilton Anaheim's 3 restaurants and catering services.
Chef Lopez specializes in creating dishes that are made from sustainable seafood and grass-fed animals such as beef and poultry. His love for the kitchen began when he was a young boy, watching his mother prepare dishes with farm-fresh ingredients, and her cooking style has influenced his culinary journey. In his new role, chef Lopez aims to build upon the property's use of sustainable sourcing while expanding the hotel's network of local purveyors. Drawing on his Mexican heritage, he plans to incorporate many of the styles, flavors, and techniques from his diverse culture including smoking and the creation of homestyle sauces into new menu items.
Before joining Hilton Anaheim in 1985, chef Lopez began his culinary career in 1983 alongside European chefs, primarily in banquets, where he discovered his passion for culinary through large-scale meetings and events. During his career, he also taught California Cuisine in Switzerland in 2001 and most recently used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to launch a catering business further building on his passion for banquet food preparation.
Chef Lopez's enhancements to the culinary offerings can be found at the property's fine dining establishment, MIX Restaurant, which offers guests a variety of imaginative dishes created from some of the finest organic and natural ingredients available in the region. Guests can also gather in the grand lobby to enjoy signature cocktails, a robust wine list, and a delectable menu of appetizers and plates at MIX Lounge. From May to September, the Pool Bar and Grill serves light snacks, burgers, and grilled selections in addition to fresh fruit and salads.
