News Summary
Emily Brubaker, Resort Executive Chef at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, won NBC’s ‘Yes, Chef!’ competition, earning $250,000. Her creative three-course meal impressed judges and the show garnered over 15 million viewers. The win represents not only culinary triumph but personal growth, influenced by support from her husband. Brubaker will host a special dinner event at the resort to celebrate her victory and the resort’s 60th anniversary.
San Diego – Emily Brubaker, the Resort Executive Chef at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, has emerged as the grand prize winner of NBC’s culinary competition show, “Yes, Chef!” Brubaker took home an impressive $250,000 in the finale which aired on June 30, 2025. The season finale was watched by over 15 million viewers and was hosted by celebrity chefs Martha Stewart and José Andrés.
In this highly competitive finale, judges Marcus Samuelsson, Gail Simmons, and Andrew Zimmern evaluated Brubaker’s exceptional three-course meal. The first course featured a delicate scallop crudo accompanied by poached daikon and caviar. The main dish showcased a succulent American wagyu New York strip served with potato pavé in tarragon demi-glace. Finally, her dessert—a foie gras-topped bread pudding complemented by honey gastrique and candied hazelnuts—received particular acclaim from the judges for being a well-calculated culinary risk that ultimately paid off.
Brubaker expressed her immense pride in receiving compliments from chefs Stewart and Andrés, believing their words would remain with her throughout her career. She stated that this victory not only validates her culinary journey but also reinforces her passion and purpose in the culinary arts.
The path to her triumph was significantly influenced by her husband, Jake Brubaker, who nominated her for the competition. He highlighted her strong traits, including stubbornness, impatience, and a need for self-improvement. During the final competition, Jake took on the role of sous chef, providing support and teamwork in the kitchen.
Throughout the series, viewers witnessed Brubaker’s notable personal growth, increased confidence, and enhanced leadership skills. Her dedication to sourcing quality ingredients at Omni La Costa has earned her a reputation in the culinary community. The resort has been actively supporting her journey on social media, sharing updates on her progress throughout the show.
Following her impressive win, Brubaker will participate in a special dinner event at the Omni La Costa Resort, scheduled for an upcoming Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is part of the Omni La Costa Legacy Weekend, which will celebrate the resort’s 60th anniversary from July 11-13, featuring a variety of events.
Brubaker’s culinary credentials include an extensive background working in prestigious kitchens in Las Vegas, including notable establishments led by chefs Joël Robuchon and Hubert Keller. Prior to “Yes, Chef!”, she made an appearance on Food Network’s “Chopped” in 2018, showcasing her culinary talent to a broader audience.
The format of “Yes, Chef!” was designed to allow participants to work on specific personality traits and improve both inside and outside of the kitchen. The competition emphasized the importance of mental health within the culinary profession, which resonated deeply with the contestants and viewers alike. Brubaker found the experience of cooking alongside world-class chefs and receiving mentorship to be transformative and life-changing.
Emily Brubaker’s success in “Yes, Chef!” serves as an inspiration to aspiring chefs and highlights the significance of personal growth and resilience in a competitive culinary landscape.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Magazine: Yes Chef Winner Emily Brubaker
- NBC San Diego: Yes Chef Winner Emily Brubaker
- There’s San Diego: Baja California Culinary Week
- Patch: Martha Stewart Awards San Diego Resort Chef Winner
- San Diego Union Tribune: New Restaurants to Check Out
- Wikipedia: Cooking
- Google Search: Emily Brubaker
- Google Scholar: Culinary Competition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
- Google News: Yes Chef Competition
