Five Questions With Executive Chef of the New Playa Mesa in Costa Mesa

EARLIEST FOOD MEMORY?
My first cooking memory is pitching in at my father’s taqueria, Rubalcava’s.
I was 13.

DISH THAT CHEERS
YOU UP?
My mom’s chilaquiles. I’m very particular, and no one does it better.

KITCHEN MUSIC?
Chosen by the crew—hip-hop, banda, or mariachi. Whatever makes them happy makes for better
cooking.

TACO, TAMALE, OR BURRITO?
100 percent tacos. I can, and have, turned just about anything into a taco.

DODGERS OR ANGELS?

Angels. I’m also a Lakers fan. I’m buying a LeBron James jersey because he’s a Laker now.