OUR TEAM
AARON ZIMMER, EXECUTIVE CHEF
An alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America, Aaron began his career with an apprenticeship at the Ritz Carlton, Buckhead under Gunter Seeger. Then for nearly a decade Aaron traveled extensively and worked with a wide range of world-renowned chefs such as Roland Passot, Laurent Gras, Francesco Berardinelli, and Eric Ziebold until landing in his own kitchen at the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay. He has cultivated a long career as Executive Chef and Director of Operations in premier locations with leading brands including Rosewood Hotel Group, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and the Google Mountain View campus. Aaron is eager to bring an innovative culinary experience to La Vaquera that is deeply rooted in San Juan Capistrano's history.
OUR TEAM
MILAN KOLENICKA, GENERAL MANAGER
With more than a decade of leadership in top restaurants across Southern California, Milan is a seasoned operator with a passion for service excellence. Originally from Slovakia, where he earned a degree in Hotel Management, Milan has managed some of the region’s most high-profile establishments, including Las Brisas in Laguna Beach and Sushi Roku in Newport Beach, one of the company’s highest-grossing locations. He also held leadership roles at Oak Grill & Aqua Lounge at the Fashion Island Hotel, The Country Club in Costa Mesa and Hilton-affiliated properties. Today, he brings his international training and hands-on management style to Vaquera, balancing team development with a sharp eye on guest experience.
Marta Cisneros
Asst. General Manager
Alec Michel
Manager
Catie Hindman
Manager
Jesus Gonzalez
Executive Sous Chef
Kenny Hernandez
Sous Chef