Brian Paolina
Years of Participation
2020
A native of Murrieta, California, chef Brian Paolina was first immersed into cooking while learning from
his mother as a child. In love with the fast-paced lifestyle and ability to explore his creativity, Paolina
went on to enroll in the renowned Art Institute of California, where he received a degree in Culinary
Arts. In 2010, Paolina joined the team at famed LaQuinta Resort and Club, a Waldorf Astoria property in
Palm Springs, where he worked his way up from cook to chef de partie. Since then, Paolina has planted
roots across the map, transforming the food scenes for various clubs and resorts including Palm Springs’
Escena Grill and Lounge, 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami, and The Resort at Bell Rock in Sedona, AZ.
In 2018, Paolina relocated to the South to join the Lucy’s team where he opened the eatery as executive
chef. As a part of the opening team, Paolina played an instrumental role in building the concept from
the ground up, while cultivating a qualified team and building long-standing relationships with some of
the region’s best farmers and vendors. Complementing his knack for recreating classic dishes, Paolina is
always tapping into his Southern Californian roots to bring a refreshed version of the south straight to
Lucy’s menu.
In his spare time, Paolina can be found cheering on his favorite sports teams, catching the latest flick at
the local Auburn movie theater and indulging in the region’s bustling food scene.