Personalities
Alex Martin
Executive Chef/Owner, Crush Catering
Chef Alex Martin started Crush Catering in October 2011. His passion for food began in High School where he attended the Paso Robles Culinary Academy; and trained with C.E.C Phillip Riccomini. That inspired him to attend the C.S.C.A Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, California. He also gained valuable experience while working for Wolfgang Puck Catering Co. and at Traxx Restaurant located at the Historic Union Station in Downtown L.A. After culinary school, Alex returned home to the central coast where he assisted as Sous Chef in the implementation of opening Matthew’s at the Airport alongside C.E.C. Matthew Riley. He later went on to perfect his skills at Justin Vineyards & Winery as Sous Chef, and remained there until the beginning of Crush Catering in 2011. Alex is the three time Pinot and Paella Cook-off winner and competed in the 2009 Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs Regional Young Chef Competition taking a silver medal. He also won the 2011, 2012 Olive Festival Head to Head Cook-off in a iron chef style competition. 1st place in the 2012, 2013, 2014 Wellness Kitchen Top Chef Cook off featuring gluten free and vegan dishes showed Alex's diversity as a chef. Just recently Alex also won first place in the 2013 CWA Creston Burger Cook-Off and 2014 Winemaker's Cook-off. Inspiration is brought to him every day by local farmers, winemakers, and guest chefs from around the world. When not busy in the kitchen, Alex loves to travel, snowboard, golf, and just enjoy life.
