Amar Santana

HOMETOWN: Dominican Republic and Queens, NY
CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: Santa Ana, CA, USA
OCCUPATION/PROFESSION: Executive Chef/Owner, Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, California and Vaca Restaurant in Costa Mesa, California.
LAST SEASON: Finalist, “Top Chef California,” Season 13

Amar Santana serves as the Executive Chef and owner at Broadway By Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, and Vaca in Costa Mesa, Calif. Born in the Dominican Republic, he immigrated to the US at 13 and began his culinary career at 16. He has been mentored by some of the world's most renowned chefs, including Charlie Palmer, who helped him develop his skills of expressing his passion through food. By combining flavors and culinary traditions from all over the world, Amar provides a truly unforgettable gastronomical experience. He was the runner-up on “Top Chef” season 13 in California and has also competed internationally for the Korean culinary series “Korean Food Battle,” finishing as a finalist.