Chef Blake Mellgren was born and raised in South Orange County. His love for cooking began at a young age. In middle school, while his friends talked about what they did during the weekend, Blake described the meals he'd prepared for his family. He began working in the restaurant business at age 16, starting as a host and busboy at Mangia Bene in Laguna Niguel. He later worked at Savannah Steak and Chop House.
