Eladio Bueno has prepared countless meals for visitors and residents of San Benito County, but in November his dedication was recognized with a promotion to Head Chef at San Juan Oaks Golf Club.
“He is very deserving and it was long overdue,” said General Manager Manny Freitas, who selected Eladio for the position. “Over the years at San Juan Oaks, Eladio has been the heart and soul of the kitchen by helping design all the fine dining menus and delicacies. Now he has the opportunity to do even more in his new role of Head Chef.”
Eladio’s new position includes selecting the menu for special occasions at San Juan Oaks like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Easter.
As Head Chef, Eladio is planning for Valentine’s Day celebrations on Feb. 14. He expects to offer a three-course dinner at San Juan Oaks, and guests will also have live music by Moondance Band.
Eladio is a man of few words, but said he enjoys cooking all kinds of foods. His personal favorite is Italian.
He said the thing he loves about cooking is knowing that it will bring a sense of happiness to people enjoying his creations.
“I have full faith in him as our new Head Chef,” Freitas said.
Eladio Bueno has spent most of his life living and working in Hollister. He came to San Benito County with his parents at age 15 after moving from Los Angeles to Hollister to be closer to family and because they wanted to live in a small town.
Although Eladio and his family moved to Hollister in the early 90’s, the Bueno family has a long-standing history in Hollister. Eladio’s grandparents came here in the early 60’s to work in agriculture.
Eladio’s culinary career started at the Cozy Cup in Hollister. He then went on to work at Jardines de San Juan, and the Inn at Tres Pinos.
In 1996, he was recruited to work at San Juan Oaks for its grand opening, which is also when he started working with and learning from Chef Jose Ramirez. Ramirez was the head chef at San Juan Oaks for ten years and was instrumental in teaching a lot of what Eladio cooks to this day. The local golf course and country club, located between San Juan Bautista and Hollister off Union Road, is open to golfers and the public for breakfast and lunch daily, but is also used for large events.
“Eladio brings something unique to our kitchen,” said Amanda Pacheco, director of food and beverage. “His specialties include traditional American Cuisine with a twist. Eladio has so much experience and he has the ability to create a menu for all types of occasions.”
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