On the Line: Christopher Tzorin of Tortilla Republic, Part Two

With a prime spot along Laguna Beach's main drag, Tortilla Republic's modern cuisine blends well with Christopher Tzorin's culinary background. Today we discuss fatherhood and his other artistic talent.

Read the first part of our interview with Chris over here.
Now let's learn more about our local boy below.

There's a split opinion between attending culinary school and having real life experience. What made you decide on doing formal training (since you already had the experience)?
It is important to go to culinary school as it prepares you to meet the demands of a professional cooking career. You'll learn culinary techniques and management skills that will train you to work in a restaurant.

Last thing you looked up online:
Since we are expecting another child, I have been Googling how to make healthy baby food, as I would like to create my own purees to feed to my baby.

Hardest lesson you've learned:
Working so much taught me how important it is to spend time with your family. My biggest priority now is to spend quality time with the people I care about.

What has fatherhood taught you, and how do you plan to apply that to your next child?
Fatherhood has taught me how to appreciate life, and the importance of family. I will make sure to be patient and understanding in every situation with my next child.

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Where did you grow up?
I was born in Newport Beach and raised in Westminster, Orange County.

Tell us about your “brother” Manny.
My best friend Manny is like a brother to me. We collaborated on menu items together at Savannah Chophouse, and worked really well together. He was also my best man at my wedding.

What's your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite memories are cooking with my father and going with him to the farmers market to pick out ingredients.

Last song playing on your radio:
Drake's Trophies.

Last movie watched; how was it?
The Pursuit of Happyness was the last memorable movie I watched, and I was touched by Chris Gardner's story.

When you use the internet, what's on your homepage?
The Golden Foodie Awards is on my homepage!

Is there anything you'd like to learn how to make?
I would love to learn how to make and master sushi. I would love to learn from Sushi Chef Dave at Ten OC, as I enjoy eating there.

What would you be doing if you weren't in this business?
If I wasn't a chef, I would be a tattoo or graffiti artist.

When you're not in the kitchen cooking, what are you up to?
I enjoy spending time with my son, Armani, and wife Vanessa when I am not in the kitchen. I also spend time working on my new chef jacket line, which is launching in December 2014.

Closing notes for our readers.
Thank you for your time, attention and love.

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