Chef Chris Tzorin Archives - Over The Top Mommy

Tempo Urban Kitchen in Brea was the place to be the night I was invited to join an eclectic group of local foodies, for a special media menu tasting. The unique eatery, owned by Restaurateur Jorge Cueva, serves up Modern American Cuisine with an urban twist, that’s completely unique from anything else I’ve ever experienced.The Brea location is run by Head Chef Chris Tzorin. If Chris’ face looks familiar to you, it may be because he’s appeared on the Food Network several times, most recently winning on Guy Fieri’s show “Guy’s Groceries“!

Chris says “Food is his therapy“, but he isn’t referring to eating it, himself. He puts an immeasurable amount of passion into creating innovative culinary dishes in his kitchen and seems to gage his own success by others’ satisfaction and enjoyment of his food. If you have the chance to hang out with Chris, you’ll pick up on his frequent mentions of his children, Armani and “Little Chris”, and the immense love he has for them. He’s one of the proudest dads you’ll meet and he attributes his drive and success in the industry to how much his children have motivated him to strive for his dreams. On the evening of my great culinary adventure at Tempo Urban Kitchen, guests were treated to a meal collaboratively created by not 1 but 3 well-know chefs. Joining Chef Chris were also Chef Charly Urban and Chef Salvador Carrillo. The dishes they each prepared for us that night could be described as “campestre” or “farm-to-table” creations, incorporating the freshest ingredients and boldest combinations of flavors. Before the food even started to roll out, we were served these amazing handcrafted Mango Serrano-Infused Margaritas with Tajin on the rims. They were so smooth, mine didn’t last very long. Tempo has an extensive bar and I definitely recommend you visit it at some point, for some drinks and even happy hour one day during the week. The first dish of the night was a delicious Grilled Octopus with house-made Chipotle Aioli, plated on a wooden plank, and served on a bed of micro-greens. The tender pieces of octopus were so delightful and tender and it was obvious that the room was been filled with seafood lovers because it got really quiet during this course.Next, we were served a “Deconstructed Korean Taco“. This Asian-inspired dish was made with the most tender, pork belly I’ve ever tried. It was seared just enough to have a slightly crispy top and the soy-lime and Serrano flavors enhanced it even more. It practically melted on its own in my mouth. The plate was beautifully garnished with a real mango roll, which I devoured in about a second. The third course in our meal was a Slow-Cooked Short Rib topped with Vegan Caviar. (aka Mustard Seeds). The plate was so colorfully garnished with beet sauce and prosciutto. I definitely enjoy beef and this dish was outstanding!

After dinner, all 3 chefs created something extra special for our dessert. They utilized giant KitchenAid mixers. We waited as patiently as we possibly could while they combined fresh ingredients in the bowl. Then they wow-ed us as they brought out the Liquid Nitrogen and turned the mixture into fresh, delicious ice cream! I loved it! We were each served a generous scoop of ice cream served on a delicious waffle cone. I felt like a kid in a candy store. It was the perfect ending to our meal! I loved the subliminal message in the backround too. “La Familia es Todo!” (Family is everything!) As a guest at Tempo Urban Kitchen that evening, I was definitely made to feel like part of their family!

Tempo Urban Kitchen is located at:
1060 E Imperial Hwy
Brea, CA 92821

You should connect with Tempo Urban Kitchen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I was invited to a media dinner as a guest of Tempo Urban Kitchen in order to write about my experience. All opinions are 100% my own.

The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I have a relationship with Gigasavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.Up on a hilltop in Laguna Niguel, sits an eatery called Savannah Chop House. Offering breathtaking, ocen views and an menu that makes a foodie’s heart happy, Savannah Chop House is the perfect location for any occasion whether it’s a date night, a girls’ night out, or a special family dinner.

I was invited to a media tasting as a guest of Savannah Chop House and Giga Savvy, featuring an eclectic collection of dishes prepared by their Executive Chef, Chris Tzorin. Let me just tell you now, I could literally taste the passion behind his cooking every time I took a bite.

Chef Tzorin shared a little bit of his personal story with us and I already felt like we were getting a peek into his world where perhaps, many people aren’t invited. One of the first statements out of his mouth was “Food is my therapy“, about which he was referring to his craft of cooking! Chris has had a series of personal challenges that he’s managed to hurdle over and move forward from. He also shared with us that the way he handles the reality of these things is to cook for others and make people happy with his amazing culinary creations! It’s obvious he’s been blessed with crazy cooking skills! (That means he’s an amazing chef)

Let’s take a look at some of the menu that our group got to enjoy. I apologize if the pictures and descriptions make you hungry. (Actually I don’t). However, you too, can visit Savannah Chop House and get some of your own!

We were treated to some tray passed appetizers upon arrival, which included Savannah’s Signature Recipe Bruschetta, Grilled Proscuitto Wrapped Shrimp, and Smoked Salmon on a Toasted Point. We nibbled on our appetizers as the sun continued to set over the ocean.

The first course was a delicious Tempura Stuffed Zuccini surrounded by Herb Goat Cheese & Sundried Tomatoes and served atop Baby Mixed Greens. The presentation was beautiful and I loved the flower garnish. If there weren’t other courses to follow, I would’ve asked for a few more of these.

The second course was a choice between 2 light, refreshing salads. The Caesar Salad is made with croutons, fried capers, Parmesan and topped with their House Caesar Dressing. The other salad, a Watermelon Beet Salad, is made with a mixed blend, candied pecans, and Goat Cheese and topped with an Herbal Vinaigrette.

The third course, which was the main course, was Surf and Turf! When I looked down and saw a Filet Medallion with Shrimp Scampi with Mashed Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, and a Cabernet Reduction on my plate, my heart was happy!

Regardless of how full I think I am, I ALWAYS have room for dessert! Although we had a choice between 2 different desserts, I opted to try both the Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Berries & Chocolate Sauce and Strawberry Shortcake made with Vanilla Cake, Fresh Strawberries, and Whipped Cream!

Every dish that was placed in front of me was delicious and I’ve dreamt about returning for another meal since I left there that night! After dessert, when the guests started to leave, I stuck around for a special tour in the kitchen, led by the Executive Chef, Chris Tzorin. He showed us behind-the-scenes and talked about all of the preparation that went into the night’s menu. (I don’t think he sleeps!)

Chris’ father is also an amazing chef who is mostly retired now but came out to oversee what Chris was up to in the kitchen. I actually teared up when I took this picture. I see a man who is so passionate about his “craft” that it translates into every bite of the food he’s dishing up for his guests and I see another man who is an incredibly proud papa and looks content knowing that he’s raised an amazingly talented son! I love this picture!