Martha Stewart Awards San Diego Resort Chef As Winner 'Yes, Chef's' Inaugural Season

SAN DIEGO, CA — Over 15 million viewers watched a local San Diego chef impress hosts Martha Stewart and José Andrés all the way to the final competition of the new series "Yes, Chef!"

Emily Brubaker, the Resort Executive Chef at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, was awarded the grand prize of $250,000.

Her winning meal, a three-course dining experience, won over both Andrés, Stewart, who were joined by Marcus Samuelsson, Gail Simmons, and Andrew Zimmern for the final show that aired June 30.

In her first course, she served a scallop crudo with poached daikon and caviar, followed by her main dish: an American wagyu New York strip accompanied by a potato pavé in a tarragon demi-glace.

Chefs said that Brubaker "took a risk that paid off with her dessert" – a foie gras-topped bread pudding with a honey gastrique and candied hazelnuts.

"The pride of words from Martha and José—they’ll stick with me forever,” Brubaker told the San Diego Magazine in a recent interview. “Not only do I want to be a great chef, but I want to be a good person… What a great feeling.”

Brubaker's win has made every late night and moment of doubt worth it, she said after the victory.

“It validates that I’m in the right career. It isn’t just a win, but a deep personal affirmation of my passion and purpose, and a reminder that I did this not just for myself, but for my family who stood by me every step of the way," she said. "I'm more excited for what the future holds now that I'm a little less stubborn and more confident.”

To get to the show, someone had to be nominated, along with a hurdle or personality trait they needed to overcome, not just to improve in the kitchen, but at life, according to the show. For Brubaker, the classically French-trained chef with a focus on American, Italian, and French fine dining, was nominated for the show by her husband, NBC's media team of Rebecca Boswell and Abbey Maloney said of the winner. Her husband is also a professional chef at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and a former executive chef of the Las Vegas Raiders, according to San Diego Magazine.

"(Jake nominated her) for her stubbornness, impatience and lack of self-assurance," they said. "Throughout the season, Brubaker displayed tremendous personal growth in her confidence and attitude in the kitchen. She demonstrated excellent leadership skills and poise while putting her heart on the plate. Her husband, Jake, was by her side during the final cook as her Sous Chef and was impressed by the improvement in her demeanor during the high-stakes challenge."

Brubaker has an impressive resume as a La Costa executive chef, having worked with multiple culinary legends and is passionate about sourcing quality ingredients to create exceptional, elevated dishes, they say. At the resort, she oversees eight restaurant outlets.

Omni La Costa supported her journey, sharing her progress on its Instagram page.

She will also be on hand on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Omni La Costa's "Yes, Chef!" table, celebrating an intimate 4-course dinner with expertly paired wines during the 60 Years of La Costa event (a nod independently organized by Omni La Costa Resort & Spa).

Be sure to get your tickets to the Omni La Costa Legacy Weekend: A Celebration of Taste and Time, all weekend from Friday at 8 p.m. to Sunday at 1 p.m. Events include a Throwback TV Night, Splashback Retro Pool Party, Casino La Costa, and Golf tournament, among others. Learn more about the retro-inspired experiences online at www.tickettailor.com.