El Segundo, CA – August 2019 – The brand new AC Hotel Los Angeles South Bay in El Segundo welcomes Dustin Taylor to its team as Executive Chef to spearhead its cutting-edge new F&B programming. In his role Taylor will be responsible for culinary direction, menu development and working closely with the dedicated kitchen staff on curating seasonally inspired recipes for the property. He’ll also be the powerhouse behind the launch of Flora, the hotel’s elevated new rooftop restaurant and bar, coming to South Bay in September 2019.
With over 20 years of experience, Taylor brings a unique take on menu creation, a strong leadership presence and positive vibe to the food and beverage team. Prior to AC Los Angeles South Bay,Taylor spent time as the Chef in the Southern California kitchens of The Anchor in Venice, Michael’s Santa Monica, and Comme Ca in West Hollywood. Taylor has trained alongside Michelin-rated talent in restaurants such as Alain Ducasse and Daniel Boulud, as well as worked with star chefs like Antonia Lofaso, Curtis Stone, and Marcel Vigneron.
At Flora, an oasis in the middle of the city, Taylor will design clever cocktails and a small plate menu curating locally sourced and inspired dishes with the freshest ingredients, including herbs and flowers grown in the property’s own edible rooftop garden. As a Santa Monica Farmer’s Market regular, he’ll ensure Flora’s menu will always be in season. Taylor will also lend his ideation and experience to guide the food and beverage for meetings and events, as well as oversee the cocktail program and menu at the indoor/outdoor AC Lounge on the ground floor.
“I’m happy to bring my passion for hospitality to this incredible new venue, and I’m sincerely honored to join this team, which has already proven to be an incredibly hard working group,” saidTaylor. “We can’t wait to debut Flora and really blow the top off of South Bay and bring more people to the area, specifically El Segundo, which is rapidly becoming a culinary destination. I just want to be part of the movement.”
Taylor, a proud dad who lives and breathes positivity, is motivated by everything from the season to his surroundings to old-school cookbook recipes. He likes to experiment with ideas, incorporate the season’s peak ingredients, transform classics into something new, and introduce dishes that people don’t even know they love yet. At the helm of the kitchen at AC Hotel Los Angeles South Bay, Taylor promises to infuse life into the property’s F&B program to create a fun, memorable dining experience.
