ABOUT THE CHEF

A native of Monterey County, Chef Rudolfo (Rudy) Ponce opened Rudolfo’s in May of ‘21 in Pacific Grove, California. He grew up working with his dad at the Fisherman’s Grotto, later attending the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. After working in kitchens for Chris Cosentino and Thomas Keller, Rudy returned to the peninsula to open Heatwaves, the Nashville fried chicken popup, and soon after, Rudolfo’s.

Rudy lives in Seaside with his two cats, Baby & Willoughby, where he sleeps because he is always at the restaurant (always, except when he’s in CDMX).