An Exceptional Dining Experience Our Culinary Team

Executive Chef Kelli Crosson brings a lifelong interest in real food to the culinary program at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. From her upbringing on a 40-acre citrus orchard to attending The French Culinary Institute in New York, Crosson embraces a simplicity conveyed through dishes that allow fresh and naturally flavorful ingredients to shine. She enjoys the rush of the kitchen as much as bringing people together to dine and enjoy each other’s company, and her focus extends beyond the kitchen line to ensure an impeccable guest experience.

Chef de Cuisine Paul Arias makes his return to The Lodge after originally helping open A.R. Valentien as sous chef in 2002. A Los Angeles-area native and graduate of the Los Angeles Culinary Institute, he takes his inspiration from farm-to-table pioneers like Chef Jeff Jackson who mentored him on a more naturalistic approach to food. He heartily embraces seasonal local ingredients and provisions, bringing that creative California spirit to The Grill’s slow-cooked farm fresh menu.

With more than ten years of experience working in kitchens around San Diego, Chef Tournan​​​​​t Kaitlyn Weber is dedicated to sourcing quality and seasonal ingredients. She earned her Culinary Arts degree from Grossmont Community College and began her career working at The Lodge at Torrey Pines for five years followed by positions at The Fishery, Tender Greens, and Blue Bridge Hospitality.

Advanced Sommelier Paul Krikorian is the mastermind behind The Lodge's modern-meets-classic wine list, a clear reflection of his adoration for family-owned, sustainable productions as well as favorites from the world’s most renowned wineries. With a culinary background working in kitchens across the country, the New England native is now triple-certified; his first certification was achieved in 2000, and his latest accomplishments include the “Advanced” certification from the Court of Masters in 2011 and completion of the Wine and Spirits Trust advanced sommelier program in 2012.

Acclaimed Corporate Culinary Advisor, Chef Jeff Jackson is credited with being one of the original pioneers of the farm-to-table movement in San Diego. With a classically French-trained culinary background, Chef Jackson has earned numerous awards and accolades for his innovative yet simple style of cuisine. He founded the nationally recognized Celebrate the Craft food festival, and now brings his iconic dedication to farm-fresh ingredients to the entire culinary program at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.