Chad White Returns To San Diego To Cook At Three Events Before Returning To Washington To Open Two Restaurants

April 4, 2016

Top Chef California contestant Chef Chad White is returning to San Diego next week and will be cooking at three events - Galaxy Taco's weekly Taco Tuesday, a Pizza Toss for Charity, and Feeding America San Diego's Pairings With A Purpose. After becoming one of San Diego and Baja's most talked about chefs, White moved back to his hometown of Spokane, WA last December and plans to open two restaurants.

Chad White became a fixture in San Diego's burgeoning culinary scene and was definitely a catalyst in bringing the concept of modern Baja Mexican-style cuisine north of the border. White made a name for himself in San Diego & Mexico with his eclectic urban style and Baja-influenced food.

"I'm very excited to be back in San Diego which has shown me so much love over the past 15 years," said White. "It's been 5 months since my departure from San Diego to Spokane, Wa and I'm looking forward to visiting and cooking with my buddies again."

Chef White trained in classic French and Mediterranean cuisine at 1500 Ocean in the historic Hotel Del Coronado and Roseville in San Diego before assisting in the opening of Sea Rocket Bistro. After extensive travel throughout Mexico, cooking with some of the country's top chefs, White opened eateries on both sides of the border - La Justina in Tijuana, Craft Pizza Company in La Jolla and Común Taqueria in East Village San Diego. Chef White has been featured on Travel Channel’s Bizarre Food’s with Andrew Zimmern, Vice, Munchies in Tijuana and most recently a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef season 13. White now lives in Spokane, Washington, where he plans to open two restaurants as early as this year.

White will open ZONA BLANCA ceviche bar this year in Spokane, followed by a larger scale restaurant - Native Post & Provisions - a concept which is still very much in development. ZONA BLANCA ceviche bar will be a small counter service raw bar specializing in the vibrant coastal flavors of Mexico. Niya Ivanova will be White's right hand and help operate this new and exciting concept in Downtown Spokane Washington. The primary offerings will be a selection of inspired ceviches from different coastal regions in Mexico such as Baja, Sinaloa, Jalisco, The Yucatan, and Guerrero. Other street snacks such as Carne Seca marinated in lime, chiles and cilantro, Chicharrones with hot sauce and a Chorizo torta will help feed the appetites of those who have not yet developed their sea legs.

The ZONA BLANCA space is a small nook within the historic Luminaria Building, located at 154 S Madison Street in Spokane and is slated to open in May this year. The feel is a "street-industrial chic" laid room with white covered brick, corrugated metal siding and an exposed view of the attached incubator brewery.

"After moving back home to Spokane 4 months ago, collaborating with many of the local culinary talents and spending time eating my way through this city, I've noticed a impressive change in the culinary climate as the city of Spokane, the chefs and the restaurant owners are working together to help define its identity as a great food city," explained White. "Spokane however, still lacks in its offering of ethnic food establishments and with Zona Blanca, I intend to help feed the appetite of those looking for just that. I plan to continue to collaborate and will be inviting my friends from Mexico to the PNW for small ceviche takeover nights as well as collaborating with local chefs from different culinary backgrounds to help broaden the strokes of this city's culinary identity".

Welcome Chef Chad White back to San Diego at Galaxy Taco's weekly Taco Tuesday on April 12, Craft Pizza Co. in La Jolla on April 14, featuring Chefs Hanis Cavin, Jason McLeod, Giselle Wellman, Christine Rivera and Joe Burns to benefit Just Call Us Volunteers, and/or, finally, at the Pairings With A Purpose charity event on April 16.