Meet the Chef

TusCA Chef de Cuisine Rachid Lahik

A native of the country of Morocco, located in Northern Africa, Chef Rachid Lahik shares his epicurean expertise and experience from around the globe in his position as Chef de Cuisine at Hyatt Regency Orange County’s signature TusCA restaurant.  From the European influence developed in Morocco, to training at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, Chef Lahik’s culinary specialties blend naturally for the fine dining setting and Italian-Californian fusion cuisine that TusCA has been proudly serving since 2010.

Chef Lahik has lived in California for the past 15 years, having graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.  It was then that his travels took him back overseas for post-graduate training in France at the Eiffel Tower as mentioned, as well as Le Hotel de la Gare in Burgundy.  After returning to the states, he spent three years in the bustling city of Las Vegas, one of America’s hotspots for restauranteur’s and foodies alike.  It was there that Chef Lahik had the opportunity to work in a variety of restaurants, including Bally’s Steakhouse, Flamingo Steakhouse and Isis Restaurant in the Luxor Hotel, allowing him to experiment with an array of different cuisines.  From there, migrating to Southern California, Chef Lahik spent time at the high-profile Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach.

Joining the Hyatt Regency Orange County and TusCA culinary team in April 2011, Chef Lahik is enjoying the opportunity that he has been given to be creative and challenged at work.  “I have the ability to create different experiences for a variety of guests,” says Chef Lahik.  “Italian culture is centered around family, friends and hospitality.  I want to achieve that same warm and inviting experience in my restaurant each and every day.”

When not in the kitchen, Chef Lahik enjoys reading, sports, outdoor activities and travel, as well as spending time with his family.  He has many forthcoming plans and expectations for TusCA, including seasonal, healthy menus that support a sustainable lifestyle, and wishes to provide a fine dining quality restaurant within a relaxed setting.