Omni La Costa Resort and Spa Celebrates Executive Chef Emily Brubaker’s Win on Nbcs Yes Chef with a Special Reunion Dinner and Legacy Weekend Celebration Open July 12, 2025

Chef Brubaker’s victory shines a national spotlight on Southern California’s hotel dining scene and marks a bold new chapter for resort-driven culinary innovation and excellence

CARLSBAD, CA (July 2, 2025) – Southern California’s award-winning Omni La Costa Resort & Spa proudly celebrates Executive Chef Emily Brubaker’s victorious win on NBC’s Yes! Chef competition series, where she earned the top title and $250,000 prize, judged by co-hosts and culinary icons Martha Stewart & José Andrés.

A native to Carlsbad, Chef Brubaker oversees the culinary vision for Omni La Costa’s resort operations, including more than 7 onsite dining outlets and 100 employees, delivering consistency, innovation, and a commitment to hospitality at the highest level. A meaningful moment not only for her personal journey, but also a powerful moment of recognition for the rising influence of resort-based culinary talent.

In honor of Chef Brubaker’s achievement and the resort’s upcoming 60th Anniversary, Omni La Costa will host a Yes! Chef Reunion Dinner on July 12 from 6pm - 8pm as a part of its Legacy Weekend celebrations. Bringing together Chef Brubaker and fellow contestants from the show, the one-night-only four-course dining experience will feature reimagined dishes inspired by the series, thoughtfully paired wines, and the opportunity to meet and mingle with the culinary stars of Yes! Chef. Honoring six decades of luxury, hospitality, and community, tickets ($425 per person) are available for purchase via Omni La Costa’s website and menu highlights include:

• Scallop Carpaccio with uni aioli, pickled heirloom tomatoes, puffed grains, grilled lemon oil- drizzle, and herb caviar
• Duck Breast with parsnip puree, duck confit, cherry fluid gel, baby bok choy, and micro greens
• Housemade Ice Cream Sandwich with corn custard, corn shortbread, blueberry and churro silk

“This is definitely one of the highlights of my career,” says Chef Brubaker. “I’ve moved home to my favorite city, work for an amazing company, and did this for my kids and husband so that we can continue to live the life we really want. Sometimes you gotta take chances no matter how hard they are!”

Celebrating 60 years of iconic moments and star-studded history, Omni La Costa’s Legacy Weekend will take place July 11–13, 2025 and feature a nostalgic lineup of vintage-inspired activations and curated culinary experiences led by Chef Brubaker, including the highly anticipated Yes! Chef Reunion Dinner.

• Friday, July 11
  • Throwback TV Night: Experience a nostalgic night under the stars in the Valley Promenade featuring classic ’60s television episodes, retro snacks, and elevated takes on the beloved ‘TV dinner’ with twists on iconic American classics such as Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy and Mozzarella Lasagna with Cauliflower.
• Saturday, July 12
  • Splashback Retro Pool Party: Soak up the sunshine and the spirit of 1975 –1985 at Omni La Costa’s family-friendly daytime pool party featuring throwback tunes, retro vibes, and nostalgic poolside fare by Chef Emily Brubaker and friends including Angus Beef Sliders, Snap-O-Razzo Hot Dogs, Grilled Elote, and more.
  • Golden Era Casino Night: Step into the glamour of La Costa’s storied past at Casino La Costa, an unforgettable evening of vintage cocktails, live music, and a playful nod to the resort’s legendary after-dark scene with retro bites such as Smoke Salmon Rillette, Deviled Eggs with trout roe, and more.
• Sunday, July 13
  • The Persimmon Classic Golf Tournament: A tribute to La Costa’s iconic golf legacy, tee off in true 1960s fashion at this exclusive throwback tournament. Open to members and guests only, the event features vintage-inspired rules, encourages retro attire, and includes a custom refinished persimmon wood from Larsen Golf plus elevated cart-chuterie, tea sandwiches, and more.

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