Meet Aaron Garcia: Preserve's Cocktail Curator

Meet Aaron Garcia: Preserve's Cocktail Curator

At Preserve, we take pride in our exceptional staff, who bring their unique talents and passion to create an unforgettable dining experience. One such remarkable team member is Aaron Garcia, our cocktail curator. From crafting vivacious cocktails to working on the management team for the front-of-house operations, Aaron’s dedication to his craft shines through every step of his journey here at Preserve.

Discover More About Aaron:

Favorite Dish at Preserve: Aaron’s go-to favorites are the Crème Brûlée Cheesecake and the Nashville Hot Chicken.

Favorite Drink at Preserve: Aaron often gravitates towards ‘Sweater Weather,’ a drink that perfectly captures his love for innovative and comforting flavors.

Favorite Cuisine: When it comes to cuisine, Aaron’s heart belongs to Mexican food, reflecting his appreciation for bold and vibrant flavors.

Biggest Inspirations: Aaron credits his bartending journey to the mentorship of his former bar managers—Jonathan Madson, Cara Devine, and Emma Kries. Their guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping his skills and passion for the industry.

Dream Destination: Given a chance to travel, Aaron would love to revisit Australia, with a particular interest in exploring the beauty and culture of Western Australia.

Tenure at Preserve: Aaron’s journey at Preserve began in 2015, when he started as a busser. Over the years, his hard work and dedication have seen him rise, becoming an integral part of our team.

Inspiration to Work in Restaurants: Aaron’s foray into the hospitality industry began at the age of 17 as a host. Over the past 13 years, he has navigated the industry's challenges and rewards, forming lifelong friendships along the way. It was in this vibrant environment that he met his fiancé, Laramie. Aaron’s career has also given him the unique opportunity to serve celebrities such as Adele and J Balvin, adding exciting anecdotes to his professional journey.

Aaron Garcia’s story is a testament to his passion and commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. His creativity and expertise continue to elevate the dining experience at Preserve, making every visit memorable for our guests.

Join us at Preserve and let Aaron craft a cocktail that will make your experience truly special.

Meet Evan Cotton: Sous Chef of Preserve

In the bustling kitchen of Preserve, you’ll find Evan Cotton, our talented sous chef. For the past six years, Evan has brought his passion for cooking and love for flavors to every dish he prepares, becoming an integral part of our culinary team.

A Little About Evan:

Favorite Dish at Preserve:

When asked about his favorite dish at Preserve, Evan mentions the octopus. This staple at Preserve is one of his favorites!

Culinary Preferences:

Evan has a deep appreciation for Spanish and Mexican cuisine.

Inspirations:

Evan looks up to several culinary greats. He admires Grant Achatz for his pioneering work in molecular gastronomy, Virgilio Martinez for his innovative use of local ingredients, and Jordy Rocha for his groundbreaking pastry creations. However, his biggest inspiration remains his family, who have always supported his culinary journey.

Dream Destinations:

If Evan could travel anywhere, he'd choose the Bahamas, Spain, or Chicago. Each of these places offers something unique, from beautiful beaches to incredible food scenes, sparking his imagination and culinary dreams.

Evan’s Journey to Preserve:

Evan’s journey to becoming a sous chef is truly inspiring. He recals that “It was out of necessity that I fell into the restaurant scene.” going further to state that he needed a job and started as a dishwasher. Just three days later, he began cooking, and now, eight or nine years down the line he is apart of the Preserve team. Evan states, “I'm proud to be here, having grown so much in this industry.”

His story is a testament to how hard work and determination can lead to great achievements.

Evan Cotton’s rise from dishwasher to sous chef exemplifies his dedication and passion for cooking. We are fortunate to have him as a vital part of the Preserve team.

Local Roots: Supporting the Winters FFA

On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Preserve became the stage for our one-of-a-kind "Smoke & Spirits" event. This immersive culinary journey combined the art of smoking dishes with a premium whiskey-tasting experience. The event, curated by our Executive Chef, Gene Hall, unfolded with a meticulously crafted menu featuring an oyster bar, charcuterie & cheese, porchetta, and perfectly smoked lamb, complemented by seasonal and locally sourced sides.

The highlight of the evening was our exclusive whiskey-tasting experience at Preserve's Back Bar, where we partnered with Buffalo Trace Distillery to offer a journey through distinguished whiskey flavors. Attendees enjoyed sipping on renowned spirits such as Sazerac Rye, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey, Blanton's Bourbon, and a surprise pour of Traveler Whiskey, adding an element of excitement to the night.

Preserve's new locker membership platforms, ‘Select Reserve’ and ‘Premium Vault’ tiers, launched in December 2023, were unveiled during the "Smoke & Spirits" event. Locker members had the opportunity to pick up their first locker content package, adding another layer of excitement to the occasion.

What makes this event truly special is our collaboration with the Winters FFA (Future Farmers of America). We showcased our newest culinary addition, a custom BBQ, with the help of Winters High School student Colton Brown, who skillfully welded the BBQ alongside the high school's FFA program. This brought our vision to life and emphasized our commitment to supporting locals and enriching the youth in Winters.

Photo credit: Christian Duran

Preserving the good Life, 13 years later.

March of 2024 marked a milestone as we toast to 13 incredible years of Preserve!

From our initial team of 6 to a vibrant team of 45, we’ve journeyed together, committed to bringing you exceptional dining experiences seven days a week.

Celebrating this milestone, we’re looking at our past with gratitude to celebrate the unforgettable memories we’ve shared with our wonderful Preserve community.

Here’s to the past, the present, and the many years ahead at Preserve!

Cheers to 13 years!