Executive Chef

Gilbert LaurieRecently named as Top Chef of Huntington Beach, Executive Chef Gilbert Laurie brings over 23 years of hospitality experience, extensive knowledge, skills and fresh creativity to Pacific Hideaway. As Executive Chef, Gilbert is responsible for curating colorful, modern menus, inspired by Pacific flavors of Southeast Asia and Latin America while overseeing daily operations at the popular coastal restaurant located inside Kimpton Shorebreak Resort.

Chef Gilbert joined Pacific Hideaway in 2017 as Sous Chef and was quickly promoted to Executive Sous Chef. Prior to his role at Pacific Hideaway, he spent 11 years leading Opah Seafood Grille, where he aided in the successful growth of the restaurant group and provided leadership and direction.

Chef Gilbert began his journey as a culinary student and apprentice at a private club in Newport Beach. Seeking new inspiration, Gilbert ventured to Valencia, Spain where he worked at a two-star Michelin restaurant for one year before returning to Orange County. With his business knowledge combined with Latin and Californian coastal background, Chef Gilbert is dedicated to creating a vibrant and one-of-a-kind dining experience that pairs perfectly with the ocean breeze.

Lead Bartender

Manny Garcia

Manny Garcia, who most recently worked at BluSky Restaurant and Bar, has joined the Pacific Hideaway as Lead Bartender. As lead bartender, he provides more than five years of expertise, in-depth understanding of the service sector, beverage programming, and a zest for enlivening the bar. Manny Garcia has gone through two successful restaurant openings Habana and CHAAK (some of the most popular OC restaurants). He was able to really refine his creative skills as a member of the pre-opening teams before taking over as the bar manager at Vacation Bar. Manny is dedicated about bringing each visitor's experience to life through their five senses.