Gary Obligacion is a seasoned hospitality executive. He was most recently the Vice President of Food & Beverage for Aparium Hotel Group -- a Chicago-based hospitality company with a portfolio of unique hotel properties across the United States. 

Prior to joining Aparium, Gary spent 8-1/2 years as Director of Operations and then Director of Development for The Alinea Group in Chicago, which owns and operates four Chicago-based, award-winning restaurants -- Alinea, Next, Aviary, and Roister. 

Gary’s 40-year hospitality career started in 1984 at Alice Water's landmark restaurant, Chez Panisse, while he attended the University of California, Berkeley, while his management experience runs from small groups like Aparium, high end restaurants like Alinea, to luxury hotels (Post Ranch Inn, Pebble Beach Resorts, Ritz-Carlton Hotels), and world class events like The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen and Pebble Beach Food & Wine. 

When given a chance, Gary will find a way to get outdoors and enjoy a long walk and some fresh air. Otherwise, any day with friends and a bottle of wine is a really good day. 

PARTICIPATING EVENTS:

Jeremiah Tower & Friends Lunch

Wine Seminar: JONATA, Star of the Santa Ynez Valley

West Coast Barbecue Lunch by Matt Horn