Chef Elijah Cortez

Cortez is Chef de Cuisine at the dining establishments at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley: Auro and TRUSS Restaurant + Bar. A long-time colleague of Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia, Cortez supports all areas of the kitchen including development of the seasonally changing menus, supporting relationships with purveyors, and preparing daily meals for Resort guests and visitors alike.

Prior to his current role in Calistoga, Cortez worked at acclaimed restaurants throughout the Bay Area, namely Luce at the InterContinental San Francisco and at Michelin-starred Spruce, both alongside Chef Garcia. Before that, he held positions under acclaimed chef Joseph Humphrey at award-winning restaurants Murray Circle at Cavallo Point in Sausalito and Dixie in the Presidio.

Born in Stockton, California, Cortez started cooking at a very young age to help his grandmother who was the only cook in the household. Early on, he was inspired by shows on the Food Network such as Iron Chef America, where he first started learning about a variety of unique ingredients, cooking methods, and the culinary industry. He was moved by talents such as Anthony Bourdain and Daniel Boulud, who covered so many diverse cultures and cuisines in their respective shows and books including No Reservations and Letters to a Young Chef. Since then, Cortez has committed himself to learning and honing his craft by any means necessary.

When Cortez is not at work, he enjoys outdoor sports and spending time with his family, specifically talking about food and reminiscing on childhood memories spent in the kitchen. Cortez often recreates dishes based on those nostalgic recollections.