FOUNDER, ZOV’S
WHY: OC’s first celebrity chef. Credited with introducing Mediterranean cuisine to the area in the 1980s via her Zov’s restaurant.
IN THE NEWS: Zov’s celebrated its 35th anniversary this year and announced an expansion into San Clemente—the fourth Zov’s location in Orange County.
NOTEABLE: Armenian immigrant has authored two cookbooks, hosted dinners at the prestigious James Beard House on numerous occasions, cooked alongside Julia Child at her Tustin bistro, and was honored by the State of California as the 2004 Chef of the Year.
