Chef Aaron Lopez

Born and raised in Calexico, California, Chef Aaron Lopez hails from a small desert town on the border of Arizona and Mexico. In 2005, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his culinary degree and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. His culinary journey began under the mentorship of some of the finest chefs in the industry.

With over 13 years of experience, Chef Aaron's career includes working at top establishments like Orsa & Winston and Redbird. Chef Aaron's quest for knowledge led him to Hawai’i, where he honed his craft as a Pastry Chef and later founded Mid-Late Summer ice cream, establishing wholesale accounts and participating in multiple farmers’ markets. 

Chef Aaron is the driving force behind Ursa, his new restaurant that celebrates indigenous ingredients from the southwest desert. Ursa reflects his commitment to using monsoon crops and native desert ingredients in innovative ways. He collaborates closely with foragers and seed savers to weave a unique culinary narrative.

Chef Aaron Lopez's journey is a testament to his passion for culinary excellence, innovation, and community connection.