Family Services' unique premier wine and culinary tasting experience, the Guest Chef Series, returns March 7, 2026!
The guest chef prepares a unique tasting menu and demonstration featuring dishes that capture the event’s culinary theme.
Guest Chef is an all-inclusive event—all food, wine, and entertainment is included with ticket purchase.
This annual fundraising event supports essential services that help local children, adults, and families heal from violence and thrive in healthy relationships.
Questions? Contact our Community Engagement Team at events@fstc.net
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Family Services of Tulare County presents
THE GUEST CHEF SERIES • AN EVENING WITH PURPOSE
Chef Monica Hemaidan
Guest Chef Bio
“Hospitality is more than service - it is connection, expression, and the shared experience of a meal made with meaning.”Chef Monica Hemaidan is a culinary artist whose work lives at the intersection of culture, memory, and technique. Her cooking is rooted in discipline and elevated by creativity, with a distinctive style that seamlessly weaves Middle Eastern flavors into the bold, soulful foundations of Mexican cuisine. Through thoughtful use of spice, texture, and balance, Monica creates dishes that feel both deeply familiar and unexpectedly new.
Guided by seasonality and intuition, Monica approaches the kitchen as both a craft and an art form. She is known for her ability to translate complex flavor profiles into thoughtful, cohesive dishes that honor tradition while inviting exploration. Each plate reflects a deep respect for process - from careful preparation to intentional presentation - and a belief that food should tell a story, evoke memory, and spark connection.
Beyond the plate, Monica’s dedication to her craft earned her the title of Certified Chef de Cuisine from the American Culinary Federation in 2021. An active member of the ACF Monterey Bay Chapter, she is recognized as a steady, purposeful leader who builds kitchens that move with rhythm and clarity. She mentors her teams to cook with confidence, integrity, and pride, fostering environments rooted in collaboration and excellence.March 7, 2026 • Watermill Grove • Proceeds Benefit Family Services of Tulare County
