Chef Simon Dolinky and Saltbox team

Famed for his fun-loving New American menu and near-obsession with local ingredients, the well-traveled and highly regarded Simon Dolinky has made Saltbox and San Diego home.

Dolinky's journey started with childhood trips to the Madison, Wisconsin farmers' market, where the dedication to fresh produce struck a very young nerve. His career started in Milwaukee under the tutelage of James Beard Award-winning chef Sanford D'Amato, followed by immersive culinary experiences in Madrid and New Orleans. When it was time to chart a new course, Dolinky set his sites on Southern California specifically for the organic small farm movement that was thriving here.

Ask to name his favorite local ingredients, Dolinky enthuses about the Santa Barbara deepwater Spot Prawns, So Cal's all-natural beef, local artisan olive oils and California's already famous avocadoes. He doesn't trust labels and has a habit of visiting his suppliers in person.

The local atmosphere also influences his menu. "The Gaslamp neighborhood is rambunctious and outgoing," says Dolinky. "The food has to stand up to that. So I tend to like big, loud flavors."

San Diego has already made Simon's Beef Cheek Tacos and Lobster Corn Dogs local favorites. And he's just getting started. To see what other New American foods Chef Dolinky is cooking up, check out the menu.