About José Chavez
José Luis Chavez, Executive Chef, leads the Washington State Convention & Trade Center's outstanding, nationally recognized culinary team.
Chavez came to the Center in 2003 and, along with his exemplary culinary talents, he brought extensive menu development, staff training and organizational skills to set new standards for large-scale events and festivities.
Before joining the Center, Chavez was Executive Sous Chef for the renowned Olympic Hotel, a AAA Five Diamond / Michelin Four Star hotel in downtown Seattle. During his 20-year career with the legendary hotel, Chavez expanded his skills by performing almost every role in the kitchen.
Primarily influenced by the cuisine of France, Chavez's culinary technique is imbued with flavors from the Pacific Northwest.
A native of Jalisco, Mexico, Chavez immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 became a U.S. citizen in 2000. He, his wife Kate and their two sons reside in north Seattle. Away from work, he enjoys cooking for friends, fishing, crabbing, snowboarding, gardening and camping.
Cooking with Chef José
Recipe of the Month
Dungeness Crab Cakes - A Northwest Favorite
Chef Chavez’s crab cakes are a rich and delicious treat to enjoy with friends and family. Easy to make and well worth the effort, they are especially tasty when paired with a glass of Washington wine.
Did you know that the Dungeness crab takes its name from the city of Dungeness, Washington? The West Coast's first commercial fishery, mainly producing Dungeness crabs, was built there in 1848.
For the wine, Sam Alie, Convention Center Sommelier, recommends a Goose Ridge Columbia Valley Estate Viognier. Beautiful floral aromas introduce a rich, creamy wine with honeyed pear and crisp red apple flavors. The mouth-feel is full and generous, with the pure essence of the fruit echoing across a long finish.
Printable recipe
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We Bring the Best of Washington
Each year hundreds of thousands of delegates come from around the world to attend events at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, providing opportunities to introduce the bounty of Washington state to many new markets. Presenting our guest with the freshest and finest in food and beverage products has become an important factor in our success. Our commitment to serve Washington products also provides significant financial benefit for farmers, ranchers, fishermen, growers, brewers and winemakers throughout the entire state.
Executive Chef José Chavez and his culinary team offer a large, diverse menu and exceptional cuisine that is rarely found in the convention industry. To insure that he receives the finest food products available, Chef Chavez has established personal relationships with growers and suppliers from all areas of the state.
Cooking with Chef José was added to our website to provide you with an opportunity to try some of his favorite recipes, introduce you to the variety of fine Washington product and allow you to meet some of the people who bring us these products fresh from our own “backyard.”
Bon appétit!
