Sur Restaurant’s Executive Chef Nicholas Medina

Nicholas Medina’s hard work was so impressive to those around it took him on a journey from dishwasher to Executive Chef at Sur Restaurant.

Today, with experience at some of the most acclaimed restaurants and five-star luxury resorts in Los Angeles, such as Muse and Cynthia’s, Andaz and The Four Seasons, Chef Nicholas Medina has established himself as a well-respected top chef in the city.

Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Medina’s journey began when he immigrated to the US with a dream of creating a better life for himself. Despite coming from a family of mechanics, he discovered his passion for cooking through his job as a dishwasher at Muse.  At the time, Muse was known throughout the city for its California cuisine.  There his talent and hard work ethic quickly propelled him to pantry chef.

Medina found a second job  as  a  dishwasher  at  the  legendary  comfort  food restaurant, Cynthia’s as an answer to supplementing his income. It was at Cynthia’s where owner and renowned chef Cynthia Hirsch would encourage his talent and become his mentor.

A friendship with SUR co-owner Guillermo Zapata also started when Medina worked at Cynthia’s. It would come full circle years later when he reached out to Medina, offering him the role of Executive Chef and the opportunity to bring his culinary vision to Sur restaurant.

Popular SUR restaurants offering a blend of California and Southern European fusion cuisines. SUR is co-owned by Guillermo Zapata, Nathalie Pouille Zapata, star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and successful restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump and her husband Ken Todd. Over the years, Lisa Vanderpump has developed or co-owned over 30 restaurants, including three West Hollywood restaurants which are all featured on Vanderpump Rules: SUR Restaurant & Lounge, Pump Restaurant, and Tom Tom Restaurant & Bar.

When not in the kitchen, Medina is a champion of living a healthy and active lifestyle, regularly pushing himself to new limits as he trains for marathons and cycling races, and cherishes time with his loyal companion, his dog Lucky. Chef Nicolas Medina is not just a chef, but a symbol of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a love of great food.

Sur Restaurant, 606 N. Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA  90069, (310) 289-2824 //(www.Surrestaurant.com)