Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 7am to 3pm

Closed on Monday

Dee’s love for food stemmed from cooking for his friends in college at University of California, Riverside where he received a bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology. After graduation and an unfulfilling year of work, he decided to attend The California Culinary Academy of San Francisco in pursuit of his dream. Like a child at a playground, Dee’s experience in the kitchen included burns, bruises and some cuts. But ultimately, he would always come back to that “playground” to perfect his skills and to explore his talents.

 
After graduating in 1999, Dee continued his culinary career at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. There he had an opportunity to work with award-winning chefs, including Christian Rassinoux and Yvon Goetz, who helped speed his maturation towards professionalism. While working at the Ritz, Chef Dee was featured at the James Beard Centennial Celebration in Marina Del Rey (See Video). Local papers and magazines have identified Break of Dawn as the new hot restaurant. The California Avocado Commission used Chef Dee as their spokesperson for TV including the Bringing It Home with Laura McIntosh show.

His experience as Executive Sous Chef at the Ritz-Carlton was remarkable, but fatherhood was the impetus for taking his career in a new direction. Upon realizing the permanence of his son’s disabilities after a medical  mishap,  Dee  was  determined  to establish something that allows him to be close to home. He left the corporate world to start the family business, Break of Dawn.  Now, patrons of the restaurant can often spot Dee holding or playing with Berlin (son) during short breaks.  Break of Dawn serves as an opportunity to stay close to his family and community as well as emphasizing the importance of a healthy and delicious breakfast, a meal that’s often overlooked.